MOUNT VERNON, VA – George Washington’s Mount Vernon has embarked upon a special year-end fundraising campaign that will help ensure the ongoing preservation of the estate of this nation’s first president. As the country’s most popular historic home, Mount Vernon does not accept government funding, instead relying upon donations from patriotic individuals and organizations. Through the Preservation Challenge, Mount Vernon hopes to raise enough money to perform critical repairs and restoration work on original structures located in the historic area.
The recently launched campaign is designed to address restoration needs that continue to arise. Recognizing the importance of protecting the physical structures of Mount Vernon estate for decades to come, a very generous and patriotic Mount Vernon supporter, Karen Buchwald Wright of Mount Vernon, Ohio, issued the Mount Vernon Preservation Challenge. Through the end of 2016, Wright will match every $1 you send now with another $1—doubling the value of your donation— to support Mount Vernon’s mission of historic preservation.
Every inch of Mount Vernon is breathing history, and it requires meticulous care by specialists trained in historic carpentry, using exceptionally rare materials that match those used in original construction. When bricks disintegrate, planks are weather-beaten, and foundations crack, we lose part of George Washington’s world forever.
The funds raised through the Mount Vernon Preservation Challenge will support the following projects:
The Spring House: This building currently does not have a roof. Money originally slated for this project was reassigned to perform emergency repairs in the Mansion.
The Ice House: There is a serious crack in the masonry that may result in long-term structural damage if not promptly addressed.
The Mansion: Mount Vernon has just begun a five-year “rustication” project, which is the method used in George Washington’s time of cutting, beveling, and sand-casting wood siding to make it appear as if it is stone.
#GivingTuesday Drawing
To inspire donors to support this important preservation cause on #GivingTuesday, a national day of fundraising, Mount Vernon is offering donors a chance to win an exclusive Mount Vernon VIP Experience for up to 4 people. This special experience includes a three-day, two-night stay* on the grounds of the historic property, complimentary meals, behind-the-scenes tours and a gift package.
When a donor contributes to Mount Vernon on #GivingTuesday, he or she will be automatically entered a drawing to win this exclusive prize. On November 30th, a winning entry will be chosen at random.
* Visit must be completed by November 28, 2017 on mutually agreed upon dates based on availability of overnight accommodations.
For more information, please visit www.mountvernon.org/match.
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