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GIVE TODAY
Help us Plan for Tomorrow!

Annual Fundraising Campaign 2025

Your support has been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved at Whittemore - Community, Culture & Conservation.

This year, we invite you to join us once again in making a meaningful impact by contributing to our

2025 Annual Campaign.  

Together, We’ve Achieved So Much  
Thanks to generous contributions from patrons like you, we’ve accomplished incredible milestones. Take a moment to explore the highlights in "By the Numbers" below and see how your generosity has enriched our community.  

 

Who We Are  
Friends of Whittemore is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to designing, guiding, and supporting the operation of Whittemore – a stunning 180-acre sanctuary. Our mission is rooted in the belief that nature, community, and culture are interconnected. Through seven vibrant platforms, we create a unique space for education, inspiration, and connection.  

 

Our Seven Platforms:  
- The Arts: Inspiring creativity and self-expression.  
- Music: Filling our gardens with melodies that connect us all.  
- Wellness & Nature: Blending health and the outdoors for holistic benefits.  
- Trails: Inviting exploration and discovery of nature’s beauty.  
- Gardens: Cultivating a flourishing, peaceful sanctuary.  
- Education: Sparking curiosity and learning for all ages.  
- Food Makes Friends: Growing community connections through shared sustenance.  

 

Why Your Support Matters  
Your contributions help us preserve the beauty and history of Whittemore while expanding our programs. From maintaining our 11 miles of trails to caring for our historic Whittemore House, your support ensures we can continue to serve as a cornerstone of the community.  

This year, our goal is to raise $25,000 to fund critical initiatives such as:  
- Removing 200+ hazardous ash trees across our trails.  
- Addressing storm damage by rebuilding and maintaining trails.  
- Providing much-needed repairs to our historic building.  

A Legacy for Generations  
By contributing to Whittemore’s Annual Campaign, you’re investing in a vibrant, inclusive future where art, music, nature, and community thrive together. Let’s continue to create a lasting legacy for generations to come.  

 

Donate Today – Every Gift Makes a Difference!
Your support means the world to us. Together, we can plan for tomorrow while enriching the lives of our community today.  

Here's how you can contribute:

  1. Make a Donation: Your financial support, regardless of the amount, is instrumental. Visit our secure online donation portal Click HERE to make a contribution.

  2. Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join us in making a positive impact by supporting our campaign.

  3. Volunteer: If you're eager to get more involved, consider volunteering your time and skills. A number of local corporations and organizations also arrange for employees and members to come out in force. We welcome dedicated individuals and groups to join our team.

  4. Corporate Sponsorship: If you represent a business or know of potential corporate sponsors, we are open to discussing partnership opportunities. Contact us at [contact email/phone number].

  5. Become a Member: We offer 3 levels; Family, Individual and Senior, Student, Military, each offering many benefits to its members.

To stay updated on the impact of your contributions and track our progress, follow us on IG, FB & X @WhittemoreCCC and regularly visit our website.

 

WCCC By the Numbers - 2025 Impact

The Arts & Sculpture Gardens

  • 13 artists showcased in our galleries and across our grounds

  • 30+ young artists (K–8) exhibited through our partnership with the Tewksbury Board of Education (TES & OTS)

  • 5 FREE opening receptions welcoming the community

  • 3 FREE Artist Talks offering insight and inspiration

  • 5 FREE Salon des Artistes events highlighting emerging and established creators

  • 1 new permanent installation added to the Whittemore Sculpture Gardens

  • Seasonal Plein Air Painting classes held in both spring and fall

​​

Music in the Gardens

  • 9 musical groups and solo performers brought live music to our Gardens and Galleries

Wellness & Nature

  • 250+ Wellness & Nature programs offered across a wide range of practices

  • 7 FREE Wellness Salons featuring 7 expert guest speakers, each addressing a unique health and wellness topic

 

Community Gardens, Trails & Grounds

  • 250+ pounds of organic produce harvested and donated — 350+ pounds, special Thanksgiving contributions — to our local food pantries

  • 125+ community members participated in Native Plant & Gardening programs

  • 200+ native shrubs and plugs planted to support habitat restoration and biodiversity

  • 200lbs of garbage removed from Rockaway Road and our property

  • 11 miles of trails carefully maintained for public enjoyment and exploration

Educational Programming
After-School Clubs, In-Service Programs, Field Trips & Summer Nature Camps
400+ local children in pre-K and elementary schools enriched through hands-on learning and outdoor exploration

  • Sponsored 3 local children for Summer Camp

Food Makes Friends

  • 40 talented chefs roasted, grilled, and cooked on our outdoor Rig in the Gardens of Whittemore

  • 400+ guests served through community meals and events

  • Hosted 2 Garden Concerts, 1 Fundraising Dinner, 1 Garden Party, 1 SquirrelFest, 8 Receptions, and 2 Indoor Dinner Parties

  • Healthy snacks and beverages provided to our campers thanks to the dedication of FMF Partner Volunteers

Volunteers

  • 134 dedicated volunteers generously gave their time to support a variety of projects

  • 1,000+ volunteer hours contributed to keeping Whittemore vibrant and thriving

  • $450 raised for the Tewksbury Family Assistance Fund

Special Highlights

Our Children’s Garden Quilt Day, a long-standing Pre-School Program was featured in the Garden Club of America magazine

Alex T., one of our own, was recognized in Tewksbury Connect for her outstanding volunteerism and service, embodying the spirit of giving and leadership we celebrate at WCCC


3,000+ visitors explored the grounds of Whittemore in 2025, enjoying art, music, nature, and community

We are beyond grateful to our Founding Sponsors: Evening Shade Landscaping,and Kelly Gordon, Sotheby’s International Realty for their continued support.

In closing, I cannot thank you enough for your support and generosity. As always, we thank those of you who have already given. For your convenience, we are pleased to offer a Multi-Year Commitment option: simply choose your level of annual support and pledge to renew at (or above) that level for FIVE years. This will better ensure stable funding for the quality signature programs and activities WCCC has become known for since 2017.

Thank you for being a valued member of the Friends of Whittemore family. Together, we can create a lasting legacy that connects nature and community.

I look forward to seeing you at Whittemore.

 

Giving has never been easier - no donation is too small!

ONLINE: by clicking on the donate button below. 

PHONE: 908-439-1201

BY MAIL:

Friends of Whittemore

PO Box 26, Oldwick 08858

Warmly,

Carolyn Thow

President - Friends of Whittemore

Executive Director - 

Whittemore - Community Culture & Conservation

CarolynThow Color Portrait FINAL-1.jpg

To Make a 5-year Pledge, please click HERE

7 Rockaway Road

Oldwick, New Jersey 08858

P: 908-439-1201

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