Friends of Mt. Zion Institute

UPDATE:  With the announcement that Town Council will support a coopertive effort with RedClay and Blair Art School for occupancy of the MZI buildings, our need has shifted from one of again avoiding demolition to one of supporting and furthering these renovation plans as a philanthropic element.   As we learn more about the legalities of how that works, we'll share with you as soon as we're able exactly how  pledged donations figure into the public/private parttnership that is envisioned.  FOMZI is keeping the pledge drive open, with more assurance now that your generosity will be fuitfull and rewarded!  The online pledge form below is still suitable for your use.

                                                                                                  Thank you.

 THE FRIENDS OF MT. ZION INSTITUTE AGAIN NEEDS YOUR HELP!  SEE OUR UPDATE BELOW … THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE THE SCHOOL AND ITS LEGACY IS ALMOST LOST.  

Friends of Mt. Zion Institute has continued to meet and monitor developments with the MZI project over the past two years.  It has been clear that these years were not the optimum for attracting tenants and taking on a project such as this.  RedClay has worked tirelessly on it, but time – and the times - have not been in their favor.  FOMZI realized that we must likely intercede again if they are not successful; and we applied for and have been granted our independent federal tax-exempt status as a 501c3 apart from the Mt. Zion Society.

Here is what we plan to do:  in the event that RedClay is ruled in default in December under their agreement with the Town (which looks likely), we want to be prepared to go to Council with enough pledged funding to convince them to let FOMZI undertake a phased project over a 5-year period, either on our own or as a minority/non-profit partner to RedClay.  Our three-year involvement has gained us credibility, and start-up funds from our original drive will cover mailings and preliminary legal work.  This campaign addresses the capital.

 We’d want to immediately secure the buildings with new roofing and windows, a cost roughly estimated at $450,000.   As economic conditions and the business climate improve, we anticipate that discussions will resume with parties already interested in the property as well as further interest being developed and the project proceeding.

 To that end, we’re asking for your specified pledge of new financial support if our proposal were to be offered and accepted.  Your prompt response is needed.

This will be a demonstration of initial funding we can expect and count on, without actually receiving funds unless and until we are in a legal position to begin renovation.   Individual donation is the basis that attracts larger corporate, matching grant and foundational support, and we’re assured that there is still money flowing from those sources for projects such as this.

Please carefully consider your level of giving and your ability and commitment to honor your pledge if asked.

MY PLEDGE      

Yes!  I am happy to pledge $ _____________ toward the goal of saving MZI.

   __ WILDCAT DONOR up to $500           __ TUSITALA DONOR up to $2500   

   __  ZION DONOR up to $5000                 __  CORNERSTONE DONOR up to $10,000

   __  MONUMENT DONOR up to $25,000

         __  MZI GUARDIAN DONOR - above $25,000         

 (I understand that this pledge is to be honored if and when FOMZI has legal authority over the buildings of Mt. Zion Institute and documentation and instructions for remittance have been sent to me.) 

 This gift will be tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.  Please respond quickly and thank you for your support!  We’ll be reporting our progress on this website.

[This web version of the pledge letter is  for information only . See ONLINE PLEDGE 

below. You may also write or email to request that a letter and pledge form be mailed.]





TO MAKE AN ONLINE PLEDGE

Please fill out the information below.