Dear friends,
Here at Goodell Gardens & Homestead, we are painfully aware just how difficult 2020 has been. So many things have pushed us out of our comfort zones, and we’re all feeling the impact of the many curveballs thrown at us by 2020. Goodell Gardens & Homestead is no different.
Despite those curveballs, your Gardens were open to the public from June through October. The community was welcomed into your Gardens to enjoy live music, Movies Under the Stars, and Yogilates. Buildings were repaired, equipment was purchased, and we built the Dana Atwood Memorial Pavilion. Your Gardens were expertly cared for and more than 30 new trees were planted. Your Gardens were here for the community, and for you.
None of these things could have happen without your support. You received a call for help from us in the Spring when we realized the initial impacts of the pandemic and economic crisis on your Gardens. Many of you answered that call by making one-time donations or renewing your memberships early. This was critical to ensuring that our 2020 basic operating needs would be met. They were met because of YOU. Your response filled us with so much gratitude that the words “Thank You” do not seem enough.
You received another request for support during Erie Gives Day in August. Your response resulted in the second-highest Erie Gives donations total your Gardens has ever seen. Thank you so much.
Your Gardens grow because of YOU.
You may have already received a letter requesting a year-end contribution. If you’ve already donated, THANK YOU! Your support means the world to us!
Just like many families, nonprofit organizations are struggling right now, too. A study from The Pittsburgh Foundation showed 146 nonprofit organizations in Northwestern Pennsylvania expected losses of $46 million and 512 jobs in 2020. While Goodell Gardens & Homestead fared better than some nonprofit organizations this year, we still lost a significant amount of revenue as we were not able to host most of our regular events. Between private rentals and special events, we lost over $50,000 in expected income. Your Gardens really need your financial support more than ever this year.
Through careful financial management, grant writing, and making cuts in staffing and spending, we were able to find ways to remain open to the public. With your support, your Gardens will continue to be here for you for years to come.
As we enter the season of giving, we ask that you consider making one more gift: a year-end gift to help sustain your Gardens.If you’re unable to give this year, we understand. Please take care of your family first and know that we hope you see some relief soon. But, if you have the capacity to give, your Gardens need you now more than ever.
With your support, we can continue our mission of creating beautiful gardens and natural spaces where people visit to enjoy, gather, learn, and refresh. Please consider giving a gift today.
Thank you so much.
Ever grateful,
Amber Wellington
Executive Director
