On Nov. 30, 2021, the Gettysburg Foundation joined organizations worldwide on GivingTuesday for a Global Day of Giving. The Foundation's GivingTuesday campaign initiative raised funds to help fuel the flame atop the Eternal Light Peace Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park.
We are so grateful for the outstanding support and generosity that we received this past GivingTuesday from our community of residents, our Friends across the country and our visitors. Thanks to the contributions of so many, a substantial lead donation of $25,000 from Gettysburg Foundation Board Co-Chair and long-time Friend of Gettysburg Barbara J. Finfrock, and generous Challenge Grant contributions from Mike Conrad and Barbara Baumann, Wayne and Angela Valis, and Dave and Shelly Wilkins, the Foundation has exceeded the goal of $50,000 and raised $60,000 this GivingTuesday. Every donation received will fuel Gettysburg's symbolic flame for peace for our nation and help to preserve our history.
While this symbolic light is enduring, we needed your help to keep it lit. Because of the generosity of so many, the Eternal Light Peace Memorial in Gettysburg will continue to shine bright for at least the next six years. The unity and support showed this year is truly inspiring and a tribute to the veterans, the meaning of this memorial and all the visitors to the park from around the world.
As 2021 begins to wind down, our team here at the Gettysburg Foundation not only works diligently for our charitable mission and purpose, but we are also giving back to our local community in several areas once again this holiday season. Foundation staff members have graciously volunteered to ring the bell at Walmart as part of The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign that benefits those in need here in Adams County. We also participated in a drive for a wish list of items benefiting the YWCA Hanover Safe Home, the Adams County SPCA and The Gardens of Gettysburg nursing and rehabilitation facility. Even through challenging times, our staff continues to rally to make sure that others enjoy the season.
On behalf of the Gettysburg Foundation, I wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
Wayne E. Motts
President and CEO, Gettysburg Foundation
First appeared in the Gettysburg Foundation's column in the Dec. 31, 2021, edition of the Gettysburg Times.