First Lady Jeannie Ritter today launched a new Governor's Residence Preservation Fund as part of the centennial celebration of "Colorado's home." The Fund will pay for needed repairs, restorations and enhancements to the 100-year-old Residence, and allow for an expansion of public programs and tours of the historic facility and grounds.
"We really want to throw open the doors to 'Colorado's home,'" the First Lady said. "This is the 100th anniversary of the Residence and we want to protect it for the next 100 years so future generations of Coloradans also can enjoy it. This Fund will build on the tremendous work of my predecessor, Frances Owens, when it comes to opening up the Residence to the public."
Former First Lady Owens took part in today's announcement at the Governor's Residence. "This is an important next step," she said. "This really is the people's house and this is an important legacy for the entire state of Colorado."
Built in 1908, the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion became the official residence of the First Family in 1959. The new Fund will create the first privately supported endowment for public programming and facility maintenance at the Residence.
The Fund will allow the Residence to expand hours for public tours, and it will support new and innovative programs to educate visitors about the history of the Residence and Colorado. Partnership programs with local educators also will help teach students about the Residence.
"Our goal is to make this property more inclusive and more relevant to our young people so that they have a lifelong connection toColorado's home," the First Lady said.
The Fund's preservation activities will focus on long-term historic protection while also supporting the greening and modernizing of the Residence.
The Fund's goal is to raise $1 million in year one and $10 million over the next 10 years. Visit www.coloradoshome.org or contact Margy Moseley at 303.837.8350 or grpfund@yahoo.com for information about how to contribute.
The Governor's Residence Preservation Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. First Lady Jeannie Ritter is the honorary chair. Board officers: Jean Galloway, chair; Dean Prina, vice chair; and Suzie Boyd, treasurer. Board members: John Beeble, Molly Broeren, Joy Dinsdale, Arlene Hirschfeld, Deborah Jordy, Theresa Marchetta, Tricia McConathy, Paul Mesard, Christopher Nims, Marie Patterson, Karyn Sparks, Stephanie Tryba and David Tryba.
