The First Defenders, past and present, have always had a strong commitment to battlefield preservation. Primarily through our book raffles, the money raised has gone to organizations focusing on the preservation of hallowed ground.
Mark Quattrock has kept a keen eye on opportunities where our donations can be leveraged to the greatest benefit. Mark has relinquished that role since he has relocated away from Berks County, but has provided a “final report” on our financial impact up until the second program of our 28th Campaign.
In just the first two months of the campaign the First Defenders have made raised $268 and made three donations totaling $300. But, with matching grants, our total donated to preservation comes to $5,200, or $17 for ever dollar we contributed.
The numbers are more impressive, though, when looking back to our inaugural campaign in 1997. Since then, the First Defenders have made 129 individual donations totaling $38,721. When combined with matches, however, that contribution tops out at a whopping $527,053, or more than $13 raised for every dollar spent!
Thank you to Mark for his long-standing diligence in monitoring the preservation landscape, and THANK YOU TO THE FIRST DEFENDERS for your continuing efforts to save important Civil War sites for future generations to study and enjoy!