Chair Naming
Hello…
Over the years, I have had a chance to camp, learn, and grow at WVU Jackson’s Mill as a young Cabell County 4-H’er and as a current Jefferson County 4-H club leader and state camp volunteer.
I traveled to Germany in 1987 as an International 4-H Youth Exchange student, served as the chief of the WV 4-H All Stars and chairman of the 4-H Funds Advisory Committee. I know the importance of 4-H and of WVU Jackson’s Mill.
To thousands of current, former, and “retired” 4-H’ers, WVU Jackson’s Mill is the heart of the 4-H program, the place where lifetime friends, memories, and goals are made. It’s a place where our youth grow in spirit, thought, and heart.
With this in mind, I began a few years ago to think of ways that many could have a lasting legacy at the Mill and share in the rejuvenation of its many landmarks – Mount Vernon Dining Hall, the 14 cottages, and the other buildings that have stood the test of time.
When I started thinking about a way that many could have an impact, and where their legacy gift could be seen by all, I looked to the Mount Vernon Dining Hall. The dining hall’s more than 300 chairs seemed like a perfect opportunity for people to honor their families, their friends, or themselves in a place that we have all been and continue to gather often.
With the help of Terry Patterson, the Mill’s director, and the WVU Extension Service Development Office, we’ve come up with a naming opportunity that we hope many can take advantage of and that will have a huge impact on the current renovations of WVU Jackson’s Mill.
We’re asking our loyal 4-H’ers and 4-H supporters to help us by naming the chairs in the Mount Vernon Dining Hall. Imagine for a moment if just 20 people name chairs, with a naming opportunity at the $500 level. Twenty people would provide $10,000 extra for the renovations at the Mill. And if we were lucky enough to name 350 chairs, we would have an additional $175,000, a significant influx of funding.
With your chair naming gift, you and your loved ones will receive a permanent reminder of your connection and loyalty to the place that has helped so many succeed.
Your engraved inscription will be permanently mounted on a brass plaque on your chair to remain in the Mount Vernon Dining Hall. Your gift will help keep the “heart” of Jackson’s Mill beating well into the 21st century. There are three options for engraving so that you can make a gift in honor of yourself, a friend, or a family member.
This is a meaningful way to contribute to Jackson’s Mill as it continues to build a legacy of leadership education and cultural appreciation.
To make a contribution or if you would like more information, contact Julie Cryser at Julie.Cryser@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5691.
Sincerely,
Michele Hale