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Described as the epitome of dedication and service to the Hickory Nut Gorge community, Steve and Mary Jaeger-Gale of Bat Cave were honored recently as the recipients of the 2025 James P. Dunn Community Impact Award (CIA). The prestigious award was presented recently at the Lake Lure Inn during the annual awards dinner and brief ceremony.
Among those attending were family and friends of the couple, as their contributions to the Hickory Nut Gorge (HNG) were celebrated.
Steve Gale is a native of Bat Cave and has been connected to the area all his life and Mary Jaeger-Gale came to the area from Michigan after meeting and marrying Steve while in Atlanta, Ga.
Steve's family began operating Gale's Gift Shop in Chimney Rock Village in 1947 and Mary spent 43 years at Chimney Rock Park (later Chimney Rock State Park) and remains active with Chimney Rock Management. After she and Steve came to the Gorge, she taught school in East Flat Rock before joining the Park staff.
"The couple's leadership has helped steer the community toward a prosperous future, while maintaining the area's unique charm and character" read the Community Impact Award program.
"This award is just a small token of appreciation for the enormous impact Mary Jaeger-Gale and Steve Gale have had on Hickory Nut Gorge. Their legacy is one of service, community and an unyielding love for this special place. We are beyond grateful for all they have done and continue to do for our community," said the Foundation.
Chimney Rock Village Mayor Peter O'Leary made the award presentation. "The Gales are generous and give of themselves, their actions speak of their presence" and Hickory Nut Gorge has been made better.
"I can't think of a more deserving couple," said O'Leary.
"We were surprised and humbled to be named the recipients of the 2025 James P. Dunn Community Impact Award. Nothing we have ever achieved has been done without the help and support of our partners, co-workers and friends. We accept this recognition on behalf of those people, here now and in the past, in the region and across the state, who have worked with us to make things happen," said the Gales.
Mary said the HNG is the most incredible community and it's home to the Gales.
They were honored for their extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to our community. Their impact has touched countless lives - and this is our chance to say thank you in a big way.
Past CIA recipients are Pam and Bob Keith, Linda and Woody Turner 2023; Kate Sloss & Cindy Pilgrim, 2022; Ann & Peter O'Leary 2020; Todd and Melinda Morse, 2019; George and Hope Wittmer, 2018; Buck and Barbara Meliski, 2017; Russ Pitts & Lynn Carnes, 2016; James P. Dunn, 2015; Chimney Rock CDA, 2014; Kay & Ed Dittmer, 2013; Gary Wilson 2012 and Mary Ann Ransom 2008.
The award is named for founder James P. Dunn, a native of Ohio. He wanted to leave a legacy that future generations would enjoy and the vehicle to do this was creating the Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation (HNGF).
Family and friends of the Steve and Mary from the Gorge and across the State attended the event. For many it was the first time seeing each other or spending time together since the hurricane on Sept. 27, 2024.
In response to the storm, the HNGF created a special grant fund to support local nonprofits providing storm relief and recovery. More than $25,000 was raised for the funds and granted to organizations actively assisting the Gorge such as the Outreach center, Carolina Climbers Association, Friends of the Mountain Library and others.
Since 2008 the HNG Board has given $89,000 in 64 grants to several nonprofit and charitable organizations.
