GIVE TODAY
Help us Plan for Tomorrow!
As we enter our 8th year, the team at Friends of Whittemore is thrilled to announce the launch of our annual fundraising campaign for 2024, and we are reaching out to you for your invaluable support.
In the past, through contributions from patrons, including you, we have been able to achieve many great things at WhittemoreCCC – we invite you to look below at By the Number 2023 so see just what we have accomplished for our community.
As you know, Friends of Whittemore is the 501c3 that designs, guides, and supports the operation of Whittemore – Community, Culture & Conservation - a sprawling 180-acre sanctuary that we passionately preserve. This expansive canvas serves as the foundation for our multifaceted mission, where seven distinct platforms stand alone and compliment each other for the enrichment for our community.
Our Seven Platforms:
-
The Arts: Fostering creativity and expression.
-
Music: Creating harmonies that resonate through the landscape in our Gardens.
-
Wellness & Nature: Combining wellness within nature so as to benefit from both.
-
Trails: Exploring the beauty of nature.
-
Gardens: Cultivating a living, blooming sanctuary.
-
Education: Nurturing minds through knowledge and discovery.
-
Food Makes Friends: Sowing seeds of sustenance and connection.
Our Mission:
Preserving Our Trails and Heritage: As custodians of this diverse property, we recognize the need for sustained efforts in trail maintenance and preserving the rich tapestry of our heritage. The old building, a testament to time, beckons for much-needed care to continue being a cornerstone in our community.
A Legacy to Uphold: Our commitment extends beyond the physical landscape. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where the convergence of arts, music, nature, education, and sustenance becomes a living legacy for generations to come.
We've achieved remarkable milestones, thanks to the generosity of supporters like you. However, there is still much more to accomplish, and we need your assistance to make it happen.
Our annual campaign is pivotal in sustaining and expanding our programs, enabling us to have an even greater impact on the lives of those we serve and maintaining both the building and the property. This year, our fundraising goal is set at $25,000 to fund initiatives such as: removal of 205 ash trees on our 11miles of trails, tree maintenance around Whittemore House, rebuilding trails that were damaged by several major storms and our building is old and is in need of repairs.
Here's how you can contribute:
-
Make a Donation: Your financial support, regardless of the amount, is instrumental. Visit our secure online donation portal Click HERE to make a contribution.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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].
-
Become a Member: We offer 3 levels; Family, Individual and Senior, Student, Military, each offering many benefits to its members.
Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to achieving our goals. Your ongoing support and belief in our mission are deeply appreciated.
To stay updated on the impact of your contributions and track our progress, follow us on Insta, FB & X @WhittemoreCCC and regularly visit our website.
WCCC By the Numbers 2023
The Arts & Sculpture Gardens
-
15 Artists exhibited at Whittemore
-
2 permanent installations added to the Sculpture Gardens of Whittemore
-
2 ephemeral pieces installed on the Whittemore Property
-
1 pop-up piece installed by an unknown Artist
-
Fall & Spring Plein Air Painting Classes
-
Over 50 Artists have walked the Gardens & Galleries of Whittemore
Garden Concerts
-
12 Musical Groups/Musicians played the Gardens of Whittemore & in the Galleries
Wellness & Nature
Over 250 Wellness & Nature Programs offered in a variety of practices
-
9 FREE Wellness Salons with 9 specialized guest speakers who spoke to 9 different health and wellness topics
The Community Gardens, Trails & Property
-
The Community Gardens, Trails & Property
-
Donated over 600 pounds of organic produce to local food pantries
-
Over 150 people attended Native Plant & Gardening programs
-
Over 300 native shrubs and plugs planted
-
11 miles of trails were maintained
-
1 new bridge was built on our trail
Educational Programming: After School Clubs, In-Service programs, Field Trips & Summer Nature Camps
Educated and enriched the lives of 375 local pre and elementary school children
Food Makes Friends
-
34 Chefs roasted, grilled, and cooked over open fire in the Gardens of Whittemore
-
Served over 300 people
-
Hosted 2 Garden Concerts, 2 Fundraising Dinners, 1 SquirrelFest, 3 Receptions
-
Healthy snacks and beverages were served to our campers thanks to our FMF Partners Volunteers
Volunteers
172 people gave generously of their time to help with a variety of projects
Over 1500 volunteer hours
Raised $450 for the Tewksbury Family Assistance Fund
Special Highlights
Our partner The Foraged Feast & WCCC were featured in Black River Journal, an episode of EATER and NJ Monthly.
Terri Fraser & WCCC were covered by Tris McCall in NJARTS.net for her exhibit I_AM HERE Whittemore
WCCC was recognized by Hunterdon County Economic Development & Tourism
Over 3000 people walked the grounds of Whittemore in 2023!
We are beyond grateful to our Founding Sponsors: Black River Roasters, 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
Whittemore - Community Culture & Conservation
To Make a 5-year Pledge, please click HERE!