Annual Fund of the Merrie-Woode Foundation
501 (c) 3 non-profit organization

April 2012

Dear Merrie-Woode Family,

In the early 1920s, my grandmother was invited to a tea in Staunton, Virginia where the guest of honor was Mrs. Jonathan Day. Dammie, as she was known, had recently founded a camp for girls in the mountains of North Carolina and shared her vision of nurturing the spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth of girls and young women through a variety of traditional camp activities and challenging adventures in a “place of rarest beauty.” After that tea, my mother became the first of four generations to attend Camp Merrie-Woode.

Thus began my family's long and cherished relationship with Camp Merrie-Woode. Little did I know that, when I rounded The Point and saw the cabin line along the shore of Lake Fairfield for the first time, I would later become a counselor, Program Director, the parent of two campers, a member of the Board of Trustees, the Interim Director, and, yes, this summer, the grandparent of a fourth generation Merrie-Woode girl!

Each year our family supports the Annual Fund because we treasure the many gifts Merrie-Woode has given to us - a spirit of adventure, a deep appreciation of the beauty of the earth, self-confidence, a keen awareness of the needs of others, honor, and the joy of lifelong friendships. Thanks to the continuous hard work and generosity of alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends, our exquisite camp setting remains unspoiled and protected, the program continues to develop opportunities for new learning, and “camperships” offer a camp experience to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it.

I hope you will join me in contributing to the Merrie-Woode Foundation's 2012 Annual Fund. The Fund helps to ensure that these experiences will continue for campers this summer and beyond. The goal for 2012 is to raise $125,000. I invite you to show your support with a gift of $100, or more, to the Annual Fund. Your support of our mission, at whatever level, will be deeply valued. All gifts of cash or stock are tax deductible within the limits of the Internal Revenue Code.

Ginger Somerville Hallock

Former Camper, Former Staff, Former Parent, Former Board of Trustees, Former Interim Director, and Grandparent