Endowment Update

Here’s our top ten list of items to know about the PPF Endowment Campaign:

10. So far, 288 persons are participating in the creation of the Endowment Fund. Toward our launch goal of $500,000, we have received $285,384 in cash, appreciated assets and pledges. The pledge payments are well ahead of schedule. Toward our 2008 goal of 64 planned gift commitments, we have received 40 commitments so far. Of those who have opted to share their plans, these commitments range from a plan to ask that any memorial gifts be given to the PPF... to a plan to leave the residual or leftover amount of an estate to the PPF... to gifts of fixed amounts, at least two at $50,000 each. For every gift and every plan, thank you!

9. Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Between now and Dec. 31, 2008, we need 24 more persons who will make a personal commitment to remember the PPF in their will or in some other form of planned giving. Perhaps you can take some time to consider this over the Thanksgiving holiday. The enclosed brochure gives more information and contact details for the Presbyterian Foundation’s large range of planned gift options, such as annuities, income-producing gifts and more. Feel free also to contact attorney and Campaign Co-Coordinator Gail Brown at 505-463-0175 or gailannbrown@aol.com. We believe that there are at least 24 people who may be called to such a decision by Dec. 31 of this year. It could be you! Please let us know.

8. Our campaign continues to be lean, non-glossy and volunteer-powered, a “kitchen table campaign.”

7. PPF’s 65th Anniversary
To celebrate PPF’s 65th birthday (and to adjust the campaign for the current economic climate impacting so many people), we have decided to put most of our energy next year into the long-term planned gift goals of the Campaign, rather than current cash gifts. By the end of 2009, the 65th anniversary year, we hope to announce another 65 planned gift commitments.

To that end, we plan PPF 65th Birthday Parties across the nation. As many of our 2500 PPF’ers as possible will get together to celebrate PPF’s commitment to nonviolence since 1944 and to discuss how the Endowment Campaign will support nonviolence long-term. We plan a simple PPF home video to be shown at each party, inviting participants to become more involved as peace activists. Potential locations so far include Minneapolis, Atlanta, Washington DC, Santa Fe, North Carolina and the Northeast. We have had one successful pilot gathering in S. California already. If you would like to attend or host a party in these areas or others, please contact Jan Orr-Harter at JanOH4@aol.com or 817-291-3952.

6. The Presbyterian Foundation — We created a kit to introduce 100 Foundation representatives to the work of the Peace Fellowship and have discovered a Foundation representative who is a pacifist Mennonite, working on our behalf. The Foundation’s assistance is available free of charge, nation-wide, to all persons considering support for the PPF Endowment. If you would like to speak with your regional representative, contact Campaign Co-Coordinator Edie Gause at momgause@mac.com or 626-321-6305. Or contact the Foundation directly through Pat Ohlmann at jpo@fdn.pcusa.org

5. The PPF Endowment Campaign Kids Corps – In 2008 we created the Kids Corps to involve our children in the Campaign and to plant the seeds of peacemaking in their lives. The enclosed bookmark comes to you from them. If you know children who might like to be involved, please contact Della Orr-Harter at P.O. Box 930 Aledo, TX 76008. Let her know if you plan to bring children to the April 29-30, 2009 Christian Peace Witness for Iraq in Washington DC. Della says “bring toys, markers and raincoats.”

4. The Legacy of Peace Quilt – At the San Jose General Assembly, we unveiled the beautiful Legacy of Peace Quilt, which bears your name, along with all Endowment participants and all PPF Peaceseeker Award recipients since the first award to William P. Thompson in 1970. The quilt is designed to grow and features quilt squares about the work of the PPF in Accompaniment, Conscientious Objection, SOA and more. Made by Gail Brown, the quilt design incorporates a “Chimneys and Cornerstone” pattern which dates back over 200 years from the Scottish isles. This quilt travels! After GA, it was displayed at the Gun Violence and Gospel Values Colloquium at Stony Point. Let us know if you would like to display the Legacy of Peace quilt at a church event or at your 65th PPF Birthday Party.

3. As part of the 65th anniversary, we will debut The Book of the Quilt. It’s a PPF family scrapbook that will accompany the Legacy of Peace Quilt and that brings together the stories of PPF Peaceseekers, as well as the growing file of testimonies from Endowment participants, which we are calling “A Message to the Peacemakers of the Future.” Once you have completed all the steps to ensure your planned gift, request a kit to create your message in the Book of the Quilt. While we will start with the Peaceseekers and Planned Gift participants, all Endowment supporters are welcome to create a message for the peacemakers of the future to be included in the book. We plan to have a version of the Book of the Quilt on-line as well.

2. We still have a long way to go toward our goal of $500,000 in pledges, cash or gifts of assets. While not our immediate focus, we welcome these gifts at any time. We need major donors and more donors. When we reach $500,000, the Endowment Fund will be put into action to strengthen PPF’s daily work.

1. Thank you and spread the word---please share this information with one other person who is serious about peace. Thank you for your participation in the future Endowment and for your continuing support for the work of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship today.