President's corner

A challenge for our future: The Directors' Fund matching program

A year ago in this space, we announced the initiation of the Directors' Fund Matching Program established by the Board of Directors to encourage increased investment in our future. The response has been strong, showing support for our mission and a desire for the Society's growth. This November, we aim to fulfill the campaign by reaching our goal of $30,000.

To achieve a new level of financial support for the Society (a key focus of the Strategic Plan now under development), the Directors looked first to themselves the 18-member Board of Directors, which includes the three officers and then to the general membership.

The Matching Program works like this: The Board of Directors has contributed a designated amount of "challenge money." Other Society members contribute an identical amount in matching donations. The budget for 2004 designates the amount donated by Directors as $15,000. Therefore, by the end of 2004 a match of $15,000 is to be raised from other generous Society members.

Anyone who gives at the level of $250 or more will generate a dollar-for-dollar match from the Directors' Fund. Thus, your donation is doubled. A gift of $250 mean the Society receives $500; a $500 donation becomes $1,000 and so on.

Launching the challenge

About this time last year, five individuals the three officers and two Directors initiated the Fund. Marvin Ehlers and Arthur Martin both contributed more than $2,500; and John Power, David Scott, and Patricia Walton contributed amounts between $500 and $1,000.

We are pleased that the rest of the $15,000 budgeted for the Directors' Fund has been raised, most of it from donations made before the end of 2003. Directors contributing $250 were Leah Axelrod, Happy Dean, Ellsworth Mills, and Mark Sorensen. Contributing between $251 and $500 were Directors Michael Bakalis, Larry Douglas, and John Weck. Director Herbert Channick contributed $2,000. Many thanks for these 13 people for establishing the Society's Directors' Fund!

Matching dollars from generous donors

So far, $6,265 has been given by other members. As a result, a sum twice that amount or $12,530 has been transferred from a restricted savings account to our general checking account for support of our current programs. The following former presidents have each contributed $250: Raymond Hauser, Victor Hicken, Robert McColley, Mark Plummer, Barbara Posadas, and Robert Sutton. Several life members came through with $250: Doris Austin, Howard Hight, and JoAnn Rayfield. Other $250 contributors were Sallie Brittin, Cullom Davis, Wolf Fuhrig, Robert Hennings, Brad Hunt, and the staff. Contributions of $251 to $500 came from Janet Cornelius, James Pritzker, the US Bank in Springfield, and Ray Winters. In the $501 to $1,000 category was former Director Warren Winston. Thanks to all of you!

The $30,000 goal is in sight with your help

To reach our $30,000 goal by the end of the year, we still need to raise $8,735. That will generate $8,735 from the Directors Funds for a total of $17,470 in additional revenue for 2004. Doable? Of course; we have already raised $21,265!

Won't you consider a gift of, $500 or more, or $350 or $250 to support Illinois history now and into the future? Take advantage of this limited opportunity to double your money through a Directors Fund match.

Please fill out the coupon below and along with your check send it today to the Illinois State Historical Society, 210-1/2 South Sixth Street, Suite 200, Springfield, Illinois 62701.

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