Summer Challenge
July 2020
Dear Friends Community,
Typically the early weeks of July are busy at Friends with final logistics & details for the Garden Tour. Additional staff would have been busy maintaining beautiful spaces within the Park and education programs up and running. However, recent events are anything but typical and the current pandemic has turned much upside down.
The postponement of the Garden Tour realizes the loss of a major source of revenue for Friends. Like several other organizations, we have adjusted our operating budget, successfully applied for, and received, a Payroll Protection Program loan and made staffing adjustments accordingly.
However, we need your help. We are asking our Friends Community to partner with us for the Friends Summer Challenge to raise $20,000 through Labor Day. Our board and staff have kick started our challenge contributing more than $5,000 towards this goal. We are committed now more than ever to continued stewardship for projects within the Park including Cliff Walk and the Children’s Garden we all love and enjoy. These challenge funds will allow us to bridge the gap between the loss of Garden Tour revenue and the budgetary constraints we currently face.
WAYS TO HELP BRIDGE THE GAP
Garden Detour: This year we are taking a “detour” with our annual Garden Tour until July 2021. However, you can help by donating the cost of a Garden Tour Ticket. For every two tickets donated, your name will be entered into a raffle to win a custom Garden Tour, lunch included, with Ecology Project Manager, Andrea Southworth. Drawings will be held early August and at the end of the summer challenge. Click here to purchase.
Pavers: Make a “forever gift” of an engraved paver. Pavers are located within the confines of the Children’s Garden and are a lasting way to celebrate special moments (graduations, weddings, etc) and show your support for Friends of Fort Williams Park. Pavers are $350 and include 3 lines with a 17-character max per line. Please contact Jennifer Scarpitti-Nelson for more information.
Direct Support: Donations of any size provide for the continued stewardship of all projects within the Park. These funds provide us with direct assistance now as we continue our work. Donations can be made here, or by mail.
SUPPORTING FRIENDS
We know that some will miss the beauty of Fort Williams this summer. We remain committed to preserving and enhancing this beautiful space for all to enjoy and can’t wait to welcome you back.
With gratitude for your support,
Friends of Fort Williams Park Board of Directors & Staff