NEWS

Friends of the Castle Annual Membership Drive

For over 20 years Friends of the Castle has operated the Villa Kathrine as Quincy’s Tourist Information Center and Great River Road Interpretive Center. Since the Tourist Information Center opened in the parlor of the Villa Kathrine in September 1987 we have welcomed over 100,000 visitors from all 50 states and 75 foreign countries.

Every year we also serve more than 2,000 additional guests, in the Villa and on our grounds, at special events including weddings, receptions, parties, dinners and educational services.

Our annual membership drive is vital to supporting the day to day operations of the Villa Kathrine. Your heartfelt contribution and continued membership help keep the Villa open and welcoming the world to Quincy. Membership benefits include a free tour of the facility and a 10% discount on all gift items. At the $100 level and above a free group tour for up to 10 persons is also offered.

Please check the Membership Form (link at top of page) and print the form to enclose with your check. Friends of the Castle is a 501(c) (3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. We are a member of the Quincy Society of Fine Arts, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, Quincy Preserves and Illinois Association of Museums.

We also depend on volunteers to operate the Tourist Information Center in the Villa. Join us in a unique volunteer opportunity by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator, Betty Poore at 224-6922.

The year of 2008 promises to be exciting at the Villa Kathrine. Our Annual Membership Meeting is on May 7^th, and we are participating in Historic Preservation Day on May 17^th.A new audio tour and a DVD on the life of George Metz and the Villa Kathrine will soon be available in the gift area.

We anticipate replacing the roof, along with other restoration projects. Thank you to all who have contributed to the Raise the Roof Campaign. If you haven’t made a donation yet, there is still time. Check the Membership Form (link at top of page) for where you can designate a contribution.

We need your continued support to keep the Villa Kathrine the gem on the bluff it is now. We thank you in advance and look forward to your patronage as a member of Friends of the Castle.

Sincerely,

Friends of the Castle Board of Directors

   Trudy Rollins, President
   Paul Brown, Vice-President
   Donna Haire, Treasurer
   Judy Gay, Assistant Treasurer
   Cindy Eddy-Roope, Secretary
   Dave Schlembach
   Rochelle Busbey
   Evanne Manassah

Membership Forms & checks can be mailed to: Friends of the Castle, PO Box 732, Quincy, IL 62306.

If you have questions please call 217-617-5460 or 217-224-3688.