LARGEST CHALLENGE GRANT IN COUNCIL HISTORY SETS THE PACE FOR THE "VIRGINIA FIRST" CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

   RICHMOND, Va. (November 4, 2002) - The Council for America's First Freedom (CAFF) announced today its receipt of a $300,000 challenge grant, the largest in the 18-year history of the organization, to help underwrite the launch of CAFF's capital campaign aimed at construction of a national center for religious freedom in Richmond. The Richmond-area campaign "Virginia First" is chaired by Glade M. Knight, founder, chairman, CEO and president of Cornerstone Realty Income Trust, Inc., and represents the first phase of a national fundraising effort to be conducted by the Council.
   The $300,000 challenge grant, payable by an anonymous donor in annual grants of $100,000 over a three-year period beginning in 2002, will provide support for funds development and operating expenditures associated with "Virginia First." It is to be matched 3:1 with unrestricted pledges and gifts.
   "The 'Virginia First' Capital Campaign is an historic opportunity for those in Richmond and the Commonwealth to recognize Virginia's extraordinary legacy as the birthplace of religious freedom," said Knight. "Just as our forebears set the standard for religious liberty, donors to the 'Virginia First' Campaign can set the tone for the success of these projects here in our own backyard."
   The donor also has awarded a $35,000 gift to the Council to host a series of planning workshops as a precursor to schematic development for the First Freedom Center. A series of three charrettes will be mounted this winter.
   According to Council President Tommy P. Baer, "The first in the series will bring together nationally recognized scholars and advocates, to help shape the Center's educational priorities. The second charrette will host educators and focus on identification of educational materials and how they can best be delivered, while the third planning series will give Richmonders an opportunity with our architects and planners to express their views on this exciting new building to be erected within one of the City's oldest historic districts."
   The seed-money raised during this first phase of the capital campaign for the First Freedom Education Center and Monument will fund the development of schematic plans, working drawings, an educational program strategic plan, and the infrastructure necessary to launch a national fundraising effort to raise the balance of funds for the projects' construction and the educational outreach programming necessary to reach worldwide audiences.
   For more information on the Council or the "Virginia First" Capital Campaign, please contact Audrey Smith, Director of Development, (804) 643-1786.

About the First Freedom Center: The First Freedom Center will be a dynamic and international cultural attraction to inform, educate and inspire people worldwide about the importance of religious liberty. The Center, scheduled to open on the historic site of the former State Capitol of Virginia in 2007, will be the premier religious freedom education center in the world.

About the Council: The Council for America's First Freedom (CAFF) is a non-denominational, non-political, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Richmond, Va. Established in 1984, CAFF's mission is to champion religious freedom worldwide and to strengthen appreciation for Virginia's pivotal role in America's protection of this fundamental human right. Currently, CAFF is developing the First Freedom Center, a world-class facility that will offer a dynamic visitor experience with state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits exploring the development of religious freedom in America, and today's related national and international issues. In addition, CAFF sponsors the following annual initiatives: Presidential Proclamation of National Religious Freedom Day (January); First Freedom Awards; and the First Freedom Student Competition.