I'll make this brief and to the point.
Major players are coming on board to help with fundraising, especially the overarching goal of raising significant funds needed to open negotiations with the University of Chicago to save President Reagan's Chicago home at 832 E. 57th Street and transform it into a museum and center.
Meantime, we are doing the final work of building the non-profit vehicle, the sine qua non, which takes much smaller funds. But, it does take funds - not just high-fives and 'atta boys and girls.' Our goal by the end of February is to raise $2000 more. Thus far, we have raised nearly $2000 over the last two months, including commitments to send money. (And, we will need to raise $2000 more in March and April each.) We are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed thus far. Every little bit helps. No amount is too small. (See right for information on donating.)
For those who are just tuning in, here's background on this national initiative, as well as our corporate purpose statement.
Finally, below are two photos, taken this week, showing the stately building where Reagan lived when he was four, now standing alone, like Reagan, himself, when he was a lone voice arguing for the defeat of Soviet Communism and the Liberal Welfare State. But, he believed "It Can Be Done." The same exact spirit with which we are pursuing this mission to save Reagan's Chicago home. Recently I have been encountering many who, in essence, tell me "It Can't Be Done." With that defeatist spirit, it surely will not be done. But, I remain convinced "It Can Be Done." Yet, time is short. As the gentleman who took these photos, a key preservationist in Hyde Park told me, "Please remind your stalwarts that the Demolition Permit's administrative hold will expire in five weeks."
Let's win one more for the Gipper!
And, remember, no amount is too small.
Sincerely yours,
Mary Claire Kendall
Acting President/CEO
Friends of President Reagan's Chicago Home
* For those who are rusty on their Latin, "sine qua non" means "without which, nothing," which is to say, "the indispensable condition."
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