FOHI News, Fundraising

April Fool’s Day

Not to be outwitted by a mere surprise wild snowstorm on April Fool’s Day, determined FOHI neighborhood volunteers plowed through the 10” snow to stuff, seal, and stamp 7500 envelopes as part of our first-ever fund drive. Perhaps the aroma of hot seafood soup and Janii’s crème brulees helped!

Janine and Eric stamp envelopes
Lennie and Janii burn the sugar

Many thanks to the neighbors, 16 on Friday night and 13 on Saturday, and to Lennie and Jancie for letting us take over their house each night and use every soup bowl! Nellie, the dog, kept the floors clear of any crumbs!

Donations are gradually coming in. As we said in our letter, every donation, and every donor, counts! Since our mailing, we’ve received an anonymous donation of $10,000 and several gifts in honor of  special people: $1,000 in honor of Julie Seifert and Maddie Lucas, who spent their college summers volunteering at Hog Island; $250 in honor of Eric Snyder; and $100 in honor of Steve Kress.

Our flocks of guillemots, puffins, loons, and wrens are growing – they’re all coming back to Hog Island! We’re so happy and thankful!

It’s been moving to read alumni’s comments:

“I was so delighted to get your letter yesterday. I learned of the camp’s closing . . . and was sad as I hoped to bring my grandchildren there . . . I am thrilled at the news and will do all that I can to support the group.” a former camper, NY.

Ayla helps out

Hog Island and those who gather there have impacted my life for the better in so many ways – so many gifts. It is imperative we do all we can to keep our beloved Audubon camp experience available to those yet to come.” Tom Schaefer, OH, Class of 1981.

Our draft business plan for Hog Island has been sent to National Audubon and will be presented at its May board meeting. We need to show our support of FOHI in providing a sustainable financial future for Hog Island- be part of our growing flocks.

May is just around the corner and so is the first FOHI volunteer week, May 25-28!

We’re excited!