Friends of the Castle are currently conducting their Annual Membership Drive, according to Membership Chair, Ron Larner. He says: "The membership investments by individuals, families, businesses and other organizations each year are vital to supporting the operations of the Villa Kathrine. They help us maintain the Villa as a unique community asset."

Membership benefits include a free tour of the Villa as well as a 10% discount on gift items. Memberships start at $20.

Friends of the Castle is the the not-for-profit organization that restored, maintains and operates the Villa Kathrine, 532 Gardner Expressway, Quincy. It is a 501(c) (3) organization, and a member of the Quincy Society of Fine Arts, Quincy Preserves, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Association of Museums.

The Villa serves as Quincy's Official Tourist Information Center, Great River Road Interpretive Center and home of the Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is also available for tours, and the building and grounds are available to rent for special activities and events.

For more information, or to get a membership form, please call 217-617-5460 or e-mail us at: villakathrine@hotmail.com. Membership contributions can be mailed to: Friends of the Castle, PO Box 732, Quincy, IL 62306.

FRIENDS OF THE CASTLE ANNOUNCE "RAISE THE ROOF" CAPITAL CAMPAIGN HAS EXCEEDED $75,000 GOAL

Friends of the Castle President Trudy Rollins reports that generous supporters have contributed more than $79,300 to the "Raise the Roof" Capital Campaign. That exceeds the campaign goal of $75,000 by 6%. She stated that the group undertook the campaign two years ago to fund some necessary replacements and restorations of the Villa Kathrine, 532 Gardner Expressway, Quincy.

Rollins further stated, "The community response was tremendous, especially during these difficult economic times. We have had more than 120 contributors, including many individuals, large businesses, small businesses, foundations and other community organizations. The two organizations providing the largest contributions were the Quincy Park District and the CFM Foundation."

"These funds will truly secure the Villa Kathrine from the outside elements and maintain the integrity of this unique building, to continue to help us welcome guests to Quincy and also serve Quincians" stated Donna Haire, Treasurer of the Friends of the Castle.

Campaign Steering Committee members were Donna Haire, Rochelle Busbey, Judy Gay and Paul Brown, Chairman.

The roof was more than 20 years old and had to be replaced. Water damage in some rooms required the replacement of some plaster and paint. The porches, exterior doors, bay window, and some stucco needed to be repaired, replaced and repainted. Some of the infrastructure in the 110-year old Villa also needed to be updated.

Some of the work, including replacing the roof has been completed. The rest will be done during 2010 as weather permits.

For over 22 years the Villa Kathrine has been welcoming the world to Quincy by serving as Quincy’s Tourist Information Center, Great River Road Interpretive Center and home of the Quincy Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. During that time, the distinctive Mediterranean Villa on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River has welcomed over 110,000 guests from all 50 states and 76 foreign countries, plus another 2,000 every year for special events.

Built in 1900 by Quincy native W. George Metz, restoration of the Villa was completed twelve years ago. It is often the first place visitors stop when entering the Gem City, and is also a popular place for area residents to have dinners, weddings, parties, receptions, fund-raisers and other special events.

Owned by the Quincy Park District, and leased to Friends of the Castle, the Villa is on the National Register of Historic Places, the Illinois Register of Historic Places, and has been designated a Quincy Local Landmark.

Friends of the Castle is a 501(c) (3) organization, who operate the Villa Kathrine using Volunteers. They are members of the Quincy Society of Fine Arts, the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, Quincy Preserves and the Illinois Association of Museums.

Paul Brown, Vice President

Friends of the Castle

(217-617-5460)