The Raising of Funds

What is the simple truth about fund raising? The simple truth is that it's hard on all of us. It's hard on you because you have to listen to my pleas and it's hard on me because I have to ask and ask and ask again. I know at this time of year, your mailbox is filled with requests for many worthwhile causes, all of whom are asking you to share your gifts with them. And in this newsletter, you will find our request for your help, too.

I was heartened by a passage in one of the Gospels about the value of being persistent. Just as we must be persistent in our prayers, I feel that I must be persistent in my repeated requests for funds for the Valle Crucis Conference Center. I ask because I believe in our ministry here. I ask because I know we need your support to continue to grow and thrive, to continue to serve those who come knocking at our door for hospitality. And the simple truth is that I ask because I have faith that we shall receive.

Our Board, our guests, and I can all have endless wonderful ideas of how we'd like to renovate our buildings, add more bathrooms, create retreat housing, finish Bishop Johnson Hall or complete the very expensive sewer project, and more (and this doesn't include the pressing day to day needs to keep this historic and sacred property in first class shape), but without the funding, all these ideas remain just paper dreams. It takes money (the results of fund raising) to make those dreams become reality. Raising those funds is part of God's call to me and to you!

So yes, it's hard. You have to listen to me and you have to decide with whom you will share the gifts God has given to you. And it's hard on me because I have to ask. But I believe all the challenges God calls us to are not easy. So I pray and yes, I ask that you will be called to contribute to the good work we do here at the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Thank you for your gifts - whether large or small - we appreciate them ALL!

- Tom Eshelman
Executive Director

The High Country Conservancy has completed work to buy conservation easements on 73 acres of the hayfields, Hunt Hill and the area behind the Director's house off Dutch Creek Road. The Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund, the Cannon Foundation and the Farmland Protection Agency have all played a large part in securing these easements. All funds received will be placed in an endowment fund for the future of the Conference Center.

In August we were able to re-paint the Apple Barn. A portion of all rentals for the use of the Apple Barn go towards a fund for its upkeep and maintenance. In addition, in September we were able to fund a much needed new roof for Crab Orchard Hall.

The Construction of Bishop Johnson Hall continues with the roof completed, all doors and windows finished, the heating system and duct work installed, pipes for the plumbing are in, septic system dug and installed and the electricians should have their work completed by the time you read this newsletter.

Chris Ryder, Inc. began our long awaited work on the new septic system for the Inn and the Annex in late August. Construction has proceeded on schedule with a few minor glitches encountered along the way. They hope to finish the construction by the end of December.

You are always welcome to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one by giving a rocking chair for only $150. We will find a place on one of our many porches around the center for each chair purchased, and create a plaque honoring your gift.

IN THANKS for other donations of $150, we will give you a hand-made wooden cross crafted from the wood of our beloved Catalpa Tree that for years stood by the entrance to the Dining Hall/ Annex. If you wish to leave the cross at the Conference Center, we will be glad to hang it in a room with a plaque in your honor or in memory of a loved one.

Our special thanks to these individuals & organizations for their generosity in giving to the Center in recent months:

The mission of the Valle Crucis Conference Center is to inspire, by loving example and service, those who break bread with us and share in the quest for spiritual renewal, Christian community, and stewardship of this sacred place.

The Right Reverend Robert H. Johnson
Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina

Brenda Binning, President
The Rev. Brian Cole, Vice President
The Rev. Tim McRee, Treasurer
Billy DuBose, Secretary

Tom Eshelman (ex officio)
Jaan Ferree
Jack Haile
Sandy Jones
Nina-Jo Moore
Susie Morgan
The Rev. Brian Suntken
Judy Teele
Diana White
The Rev. John Zellner (ex officio)