James Madison's Montpelier We The People Spring 2014 | Page 18
WE THE PEOPLE
SPIRIT
OF
PHILANTHROPY DONOR TRIBUTE:
LOU & AL POTTER
I
magine it’s 1985 and Montpelier has just become a property of the
National Trust for Historic Preservation. What do you do?
Well, if you are Louise and Alan Potter, you jump in to help.
The Potters are among Montpelier’s longest and most generous
supporters. As entrepreneurs dedicated to architecture, engineering,
and building, perhaps it is no surprise that they gravitated to a site
that has been completely transformed during the past 20 years, in
large part thanks to Lou and Al’s leadership.
Lou became a member of the Montpelier Advisory Council,
appointed by the National Trust, before becoming a founding director
of The Montpelier Foundation board when it was established in
1998. The Potters were instrumental during Montpelier’s American
Legacy Campaign (2002-2008), providing not only leadership
support as campaign benefactors, but also as key members of
Montpelier’s Development Committee, which led the $65 million
fundraising effort, and members of the Site Committee that oversaw
the construction of Montpelier’s Visitor Center and entrance. The
Louise B. and Alan L. Potter Theater located in the Visitor Center is a
fitting reminder of their tireless dedication and lasting generosity.
On January 31, 2014, Al Potter passed away. While his presence
will be missed, the enthusiasm encompassed in his spirit and the
continued dedication of Lou and the Potter family will continue to
guide us.
18
THANK YOU, FRIENDS!
From the restoration of Madison’s library, to understanding the Montpelier plantation through archaeology, introducing a
first-generation American to the Constitution, or helping Burmese leaders chart the future of their country, your support
has made a tremendous difference and created a lasting impact for current and future generations.
In 2013, gifts to Montpelier totaled nearly $4.5 million. This generosity makes it possible for children and adults from
around the world to experience Montpelier and gain insight into James Madison’s ideas, explore the legacy of the U.S.
Constitution, learn more about life in the young American nation, and so much more. A quick glance at this magazine
shows just how many people The Montpelier Foundation reaches.
Our heartfelt thanks goes to you, and we hope to see you soon (in person or virtually) in the very near future.
Sincerely,
Kimberly P. Skelly
Executive Vice President for Advancement
WAYS YOU CAN GIVE TODAY
By check: please use
the enclosed Business
Reply Envelope
Online: please visit
www.montpelier.org/donate
For more information on how to make
a gift, please contact Elizabeth Von
Hassell, Director of Annual Giving, at
540-661-0259 or email at
[email protected]