“This place is our city’s backyard and it’s here for everyone – as a place for a walk, for learning, for cultural experiences. It is part of the soul of our community.” – David Maier and Matthew McGrane
Gifts by new donors to Pride & Preservation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 through September 30, 2020. Neighbors and friends of Brucemore, David Maier and Matthew McGrane, have offered this opportunity to encourage people to give towards landscape recovery efforts on the estate, following the devastating storm on August 10. Pride & Preservation already had landscape restoration as a part of the scope but now, more than ever, this funding is vital to ensuring the estate’s 26-acre landscape can be replenished.
Before David and Matt moved to Cedar Rapids, they did their research. While Matt’s family already called the area home, the couple were in search of a community. They soon found Cedar Rapids had all of the items on their list: kind people, amenities like excellent local restaurants and theatres, and accessibility to public places and arts. Finding a house near Brucemore was the final special touch needed to secure their new home.
On their first visit to enjoy a holiday tour of the 1886 mansion, they heard the sound of music emanating from the organ and experienced how the families lived. They came back within a month to attend A Modern Salon and were hooked.
“It was because of our early connections to Brucemore that we started building our Cedar Rapids friendships,” said David.
To them, Brucemore serves as an intersection of community interests. It is a park with nurturing gardens; it is a performance venue for organizations like Orchestra Iowa and SPT Theatre; and it is a nucleus for learning about regional history.
“There is a use – a uniqueness – that no one expects in Cedar Rapids,” said Matt.
David and Matt began conversations with Brucemore staff on this matching gift opportunity for the Pride & Preservation campaign earlier this summer. When the derecho hit Cedar Rapids on August 10 and damaged 70% of the trees, they knew the need would be even greater . Within days, they were meeting with staff on how this gift could help aid in cleanup and recovery. They believe now is the time for new donors to the campaign to be part of Brucemore’s hope for the future. New donors, those who have not yet given to the campaign, will have their gifts doubled up to $25,000.
“Everyone can give – no matter the amount – and make a difference,” said David.
The campaign has reached over 98% of its $5 million goal, with the funds having an immediate impact as staff continue working hard to clear the estate of debris and evaluate building damage. Gifts in this opportunity will be internally designated to landscape recovery including clearing, cleanup, and replenishing, expected to be a multi-year effort.
Click here to have your gift doubled today.