Individual donors: Tell your story at The Leo

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Blog entry by Danielle Follett Chard, The Leonardo's intern.

Opening a museum takes years of work and dedication from the community it will serve, and The Leonardo has a story that's inseparable from the people of Utah. If you've followed our efforts, you're familiar with all the work that's gone into this summer's opening. The problem is we don't know your stories...and we'd love to hear them! You are the people who have helped, cheered, and encouraged us along the way, and you're the people who will be enjoying all this work in a few short months.

To honor your involvement The Leonardo now has a way to recognize individual donors by allowing you to tell your stories. A gift of $1000 gives you an 8"-by-8" framed photograph with your name and a meaningful object will preserve what is important to you. This gift also allows you to submit the story behind the objects in your photograph and their meaning to you. Your photo and story will join others in a permanent, unique art piece that celebrates the community that brought The Leonardo to life.

Our Director of Development Katie Smith has been the first to participate:

Una Spenser, the heroine in Ahab's Wife, has been an inspiration to me for many years. I have read this book dozens of times when I have needed extra strength and wanted to access the beauty of language. As I thought about the significance of Una and her story in my life, I thought about a symbol that I am often associated with -- a string of peals. I wear pearls almost every day -- and the connection was not lost on me that something as beautiful and inspiring as a pearl is only created because of years of strife. In my case, I have chosen my great grandmother's pearls. To me, it is a perfect way to honor the beauty and strength of the incredible friends and family who have helped shape my life.

If you'd like to be involved, donate $1000 or more before June 30. Once you've mailed in your donation, email your name and story (up to 150 words) to Samantha Johnson at sjohnson@theleonardo.org. We will be taking photographs at The Leonardo building (209 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City) on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 25 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and July 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you can't think of a background or object, we will have a variety of objects and backgrounds available for you to use. If you would not like a picture, we will honor your donation on the wall with your name. If you'd like more details on the donation or have any questions, please contact Katie Smith at ksmith@theleonardo.org or at (801) 531-9800 ext. 120.

Thank you for helping build our story through the years -- we can't wait to hear yours!

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Labels: contribute, Leo, museum, opening

Posted by The Leonardo at 4/07/2011 10:35:00 AM 0 comments