Will you save me? Your kind gift before the end of the year is vital!
I am not one to complain – stiff upper lip and all that. I hope you will forgive me, old as I am (126 years to be exact).
I fear I’m coming apart at the seams.
My north terrace, looking out over Riverside Drive, still has no floor – can you imagine? It’s an embarrassment that I try to hide when dear friends like you come calling.
My west porch needs new mortar to keep its stones from falling out. It also needs new supports to keep its floor from caving in like the north terrace did. I welcome my friends who use walkers and wheelchairs through this entrance. I would feel terrible if they could not come to visit me anymore.
The threat of my chimneys falling down is unbearable. They have ugly bands wrapped around them to keep me, and you, safe for now.
It is a disgraceful state of affairs!
I hate talking about money even more than I hate sharing my aches and pains. But I must tell you – it will cost approximately $336,000 to finally take care of these wretched problems.
My fortunes are not what they once were. I must put my pride aside and ask that generous friends like you help to make me whole again!
So please, will you make your gift before year’s end?
At the risk of sounding haughty, I am irreplaceable after all.
Too many of my fellow historic mansions have been destroyed. Can you imagine our fair Riverside Drive without me? Surely not!
Can I rely on you to make certain that I am not the next historic gem to disappear?
Who is irreplaceable when it comes to my future?
You are!
Your gift of will bring us closer to the day when you will see me restored to my former glory. I know you care too much to let me end up a pile of rubble. Your gift by the end of the year will help to heal my biggest wounds.
I am loath to admit it, but I get lonely sometimes.
I miss the good old days. I miss seeing Mr. Jonas and Mrs. Julia enjoy a cold glass of lemonade in the shade of the east porch on a warm summer day. Or sipping a cup of hot tea on a crisp autumn morning.
I miss the parties that their son, Mr. Willis, used to throw. Oh, the stories I could tell about those parties – it is enough to make a lady blush! But that is for another time. You must come to visit me soon and I will tell you more…
I do love it when you come to visit me. It is such a pleasure to see the delight on your face as you take in my beauty. Your eyes shining with awe at the old world craftsmanship reflected in my rooms. Your laughter as you share happy times with friends, old and new.
It warms my old heart.
I dream of the day when my porches and terraces are restored to their former splendor. I dream of sharing them with you. I dream of you, too, enjoying a tall glass of refreshing lemonade. Sipping a delicious cup of tea. Having more fun than you should at a fabulous party – like the Kilmers used to do.
I don’t know what will become of me without you. I need you to make me strong and whole again. So we can make new memories together!
Will you help a grand old dame in her hour of need?
I know you would miss me if I were gone. I want to be here for you and for generations to come.
Your gift is key to my future!
Please make your gift today.
Because you, too, dear friend, are irreplaceable!