Friends,
 The Fellowship of Reconciliation's historic Nyack, NY headquarters, known to many as "Shadowcliff," sustained damage last week as a result of the powerful rain and winds of Hurricane Irene.
Damage to our 1920s-era mansion's roof and minor flooding in the basement was accompanied by the uprooting of several trees on FOR's property.
We appeal to our supporters today to make a special gift in the wake of the hurricane -- indeed, as this message is sent, New York's Hudson Valley is weathering yet another strong storm front that has brought two days of steady rainfall, which is now leaking into our offices.
Make a tax-deductible donation to support FOR's Shadowcliff headquarters.
 As FOR approaches our centennial year (2015), we are reminded how fortunate we are to have had visionary leaders in our early years. FOR worked from multiple rented offices in New York City during our first 40 years, but in the mid-1950s, the desire to have a long-term headquarters and to establish an intentional community setting led to the purchase of Shadowcliff. Since then -- for more than half a century -- FOR members have benefited from the use of this beautiful and functional workplace to inspire our organizing for peace, nonviolence, civil and human rights, and social transformation.
Help support refurbishing the Fellowship of Reconciliation's headquarters from hurricane damage.
 Here is a summary of the damage to FOR's Shadowcliff headquarters:
- FOR operations were closed for three days, due to the power outage in Upper Nyack, from Aug. 27-30.
- Five trees were significantly damaged on our property, including three historic pine trees that stood before our front door, providing initial welcome to visitors and surrounding our garden's peace pole. Estimated cost to remove the trees is $2,500.
- Flooding in the basement was fortunately minor and did not damage archival files that are kept there. A pipe adjacent to the basement may need replacement, estimated at $500.
- Roof damage has led to water damage on our second and third floors, leaking into offices and the caretaker's apartment. Handling the initial leaks will cost an estimated $10,000, but as our building approaching 90 years of service, we believe a full roof replacement will be necessary, costing an estimated $40,000.
Please consider a tax-deductible gift of financial support to address this week's damage.
We also welcome expressions of interest in addressing the long-term, structural concerns that face our Shadowcliff building and property. If you have any questions or concerns, please reply to this email.
Thank you for the continuing support that you show to the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Peace,
Mark C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation |
