GivingTuesday is Almost Here
Written Ann Dillon, President General
Five years ago tomorrow #GivingTuesday was established as a global day of generosity,
intended to encourage philanthropy at the beginning of the Holiday season. You may
remember that last year many of you helped us fully restore the beautiful decorative
plasterwork in Constitution Hall with your gifts to NSDAR on #GivingTuesday 2015.
We share a deep affection for the DAR and our beautiful home at 1776 D Street. Today
I would like to share another way to celebrate this special philanthropic day and benefit
our Headquarters.
Situated on the grounds of our city block of buildings is the Memorial Garden. Dedicated
on April 18, 1962, the Memorial Garden was part of a three year landscaping program
during the White Administration, Doris Pike White, President General, 1959–1962. The
garden was established to honor all DAR members.
At that time, the Mississippi Fountain was a gift to the Society in honor of Margery Clark
Johnson by her four children. This fountain is the centerpiece of the Garden and serves as
a lasting tribute to the service, sacrifice and accomplishments of dedicated Daughters,
past and present.
50 years later, the Mississippi Fountain is in urgent need of repair and we believe tomorrow
will be a perfect time to raise the $25,000 needed to make these repairs which include fixing
the plumbing and replacing the tile work. Funds raised over that amount will be used to
landscape the garden, repair iron work at the entrance at 1776 D Street and provide for other
structural repairs.
To kick off this effort, I just learned of a $2,000 leadership gift made by one of our Daughters.
What an inspiring way to begin this holiday season!
Today the Memorial Garden is also home to “The Daughters Tribute,” a lovely granite
monument which heralds the sacrifice and dedication of nearly 1 million women who
have sustained our Society. As part of the National Society, this timeless memorial was
dedicated last year as part of our Quasquicentennial celebration. It is only fitting that this
Garden receives the restoration that it needs at this time.
Over the last half century, many have visited the Memorial Garden. It is a quiet haven
nestled in the middle of our nation’s capital. The solitude of this setting provides a place
to contemplate the courage and dedication of the women who have walked before us, our
mothers, grandmothers, aunts and others whose vision and determination laid the foundation
for our Society.
Your help on Giving Tuesday will keep the Memorial Garden a welcoming and inspiring
setting for the future. Please consider getting a head start on #GivingTuesday and click HERE
to give now.
Thank you for all you do each and every day!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DAUGHTERS TRIBUTE-The Daughters Tribute electronic
database, accessed via the National Society’s Digital Donor Wall, honors the special DAR
members in our lives.
