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From the event website at www.banksgrandretreat.com:
Steve Mayeux, director of Friends of Ft DeRussy, has identified two main areas for use of the funds we will raise at the event.
1. Purchase of additional land: There is an L-shaped portion of original earthworks that is in private hands, adjacent to the preserved portion of the Fort. The money we raise could be used as seed money to trigger matching funds from the State of Louisiana to make a reasonable offer on the land.
For those who have ever seen the Harper’s Weekly sketch of the fort, you will notice an L-shaped piece of earthworks attached to the main redoubt. That property, along with the fort cemetery, is still in private hands, and it would be a very important addition to the State Historic Site holdings if we could persuade the owners to sell. With the money that we have on hand, plus whatever you can raise for us, I am pretty sure we could get matching funds from the State that would allow us to make a reasonable offer on this land. The Master Plan for the State Historic Site was made with the idea that we would acquire these remaining earthworks. The sooner we get them, the better we can include them in all subsequent planning for the site.
2. Purchase the only known CDV of Lt Jerome Bishop, 81st Illinois (our federal impression): Bishop was a member of Co D and was killed March 16th, 1864 inside the fort when a rebel cannon burst as the federals attempted to destroy the water batteries two days after the capture. This unsafe and ill considered demolition, with troops sleeping close by, earned division commander Maj Gen Smith the enmity of both the 81st and 95th Illinois for the first portion of the campaign. Smith's outstanding leadership at Pleasant Hill and during the retreat eventually changed their opinion to one of trust and confidence.
Steve relates that the earmarked funds to begin the full scale reconstruction of the fort are once again subject to pressing state wide budgetary pressure and it is unknown how much will be available. Our generosity and skill at raising funds is a source outside this pressure and can serve as a good example of grass roots support.
Each participant at Bank's Grant Retreat will have 3 main ways of contributing and raising funds.
1. Registration funds – a portion of each participant’s fee will go to Ft DeRussy
2. Raffle - 100% of monies raised from ticket sales will go to Ft DeRussy. The raffle has received donations of some outstanding authentic vendor produced garments and equipment. A list will go up shortly. The raffle will be conducted immediately following the event and tickets can be purchased at the event.
3. Independent fund raising - from coworkers, family and friends, businesses, etc. There will be a primer on this up shortly. We do not expect participants to dig into your own pockets for this - we thank you for taking the time to attend the event. Rather we ask that you reach out to those who are inspired by your dedication and the preservation cause to donate on your behalf. Think of it as similar to a walkathon. A suggestion of 50 cents to $1.00 per mile or more would be appropriate.
Steve Mayeux, director of Friends of Ft DeRussy, has identified two main areas for use of the funds we will raise at the event.
1. Purchase of additional land: There is an L-shaped portion of original earthworks that is in private hands, adjacent to the preserved portion of the Fort. The money we raise could be used as seed money to trigger matching funds from the State of Louisiana to make a reasonable offer on the land.
For those who have ever seen the Harper’s Weekly sketch of the fort, you will notice an L-shaped piece of earthworks attached to the main redoubt. That property, along with the fort cemetery, is still in private hands, and it would be a very important addition to the State Historic Site holdings if we could persuade the owners to sell. With the money that we have on hand, plus whatever you can raise for us, I am pretty sure we could get matching funds from the State that would allow us to make a reasonable offer on this land. The Master Plan for the State Historic Site was made with the idea that we would acquire these remaining earthworks. The sooner we get them, the better we can include them in all subsequent planning for the site.
2. Purchase the only known CDV of Lt Jerome Bishop, 81st Illinois (our federal impression): Bishop was a member of Co D and was killed March 16th, 1864 inside the fort when a rebel cannon burst as the federals attempted to destroy the water batteries two days after the capture. This unsafe and ill considered demolition, with troops sleeping close by, earned division commander Maj Gen Smith the enmity of both the 81st and 95th Illinois for the first portion of the campaign. Smith's outstanding leadership at Pleasant Hill and during the retreat eventually changed their opinion to one of trust and confidence.
Steve relates that the earmarked funds to begin the full scale reconstruction of the fort are once again subject to pressing state wide budgetary pressure and it is unknown how much will be available. Our generosity and skill at raising funds is a source outside this pressure and can serve as a good example of grass roots support.
Each participant at Bank's Grant Retreat will have 3 main ways of contributing and raising funds.
1. Registration funds – a portion of each participant’s fee will go to Ft DeRussy
2. Raffle - 100% of monies raised from ticket sales will go to Ft DeRussy. The raffle has received donations of some outstanding authentic vendor produced garments and equipment. A list will go up shortly. The raffle will be conducted immediately following the event and tickets can be purchased at the event.
3. Independent fund raising - from coworkers, family and friends, businesses, etc. There will be a primer on this up shortly. We do not expect participants to dig into your own pockets for this - we thank you for taking the time to attend the event. Rather we ask that you reach out to those who are inspired by your dedication and the preservation cause to donate on your behalf. Think of it as similar to a walkathon. A suggestion of 50 cents to $1.00 per mile or more would be appropriate.
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