In September, over 200 donors responded to matching gift opportunities contributing $45,000 in support of preservation and landscape recovery at Brucemore.
The challenge was initiated by David Maier and Matthew McGrane, neighbors and friends of Brucemore, who matched that contribution, resulting in a total of $90,000 to the Pride & Preservation Campaign. Money donated to the campaign after the August 10 derecho storm is internally designated for disaster recovery and eventual restoration of the landscape. Initial assessments estimate the damage to the site’s seven historic and two modern structures and grounds at $2.5 million. A majority of the landscape cleanup and restoration will not be covered by insurance.
Donors gave from all over the country, including individuals from as far away as California as well as right next door. Many shared encouraging words to staff, stories of their families walking the grounds, the joy experienced in attending events, and love of the enrichment provided to the community.
Brucemore staff are working hard to adapt and serve the community by hosting events, partnering with other non-profit organizations, and clearing hazards from the estate to allow public access – all while simultaneously working to assess building issues and plan landscape recovery efforts. As a national leader in historic site curation, Brucemore considers the restoration of the landscape to be an opportunity to restore and replant in service to our mission and our founding families. As recovery and clean-up extends into the winter and spring, staff will begin working on a multi-year planting and restoration plan.
Donors to Pride & Preservation have raised over 99% of the $5 million goal. The Board and staff are grateful for the support and advocacy of the over 500 people who have given toward preserving the estate. Staff wish to extend a special thank you to David and Matt for their exemplary efforts towards raising these funds and the significant gifts they have given.
Gifts are still needed to support the multi-year landscape recovery process. Click here to learn more about how you can help.