DAMES: DEDICATED AND DETERMINED Dear Dames, During this unprecedented year, we have experienced turbulent times with a global pandemic, economic downturn, social unrest, flooding, hurricanes and devastating fires, but we have kept moving forward with plans, ideas and opportunities to help shape our Society and our nation. Our inspiration comes from our predecessors who faced many uphill challenges, including the Spanish Flu pandemic, two World Wars and the Great Depression. We are determined to ensure the work of the Society continues to move forward. Earlier this year, we received a six-figure leadership gift from a donor to the NSCDA Comprehensive Campaign which showed great hope, courage and optimism for the future of our work as an organization. We have raised a million dollars toward our $10 million goal since March and remain just under 10% short of that goal. Let’s finish strong and achieve our goal - together! Great American Treasures (GAT), a new way of telling America’s story and our gift to the Dames and the nation, was launched in May. This endeavor would not be possible without your contributions to our NSCDA Comprehensive Campaign. GAT is our “baby” and like any infant, requires nurturing to grow and thrive. We are all responsible for ensuring this nascent initiative reaches its potential. Greater membership engagement is one of our strategic goals, and we continue to think of ways to keep our Dames’ community together. This year’s Biennial was historic in many ways; it gave us the ability to reach more members and create more learning opportunities. Who could have imagined that more than 850 members would register for the educational and business sessions, more than three times as many members that typically attend Biennial? Although the NSCDA travel program paused in March, we have not stopped dreaming of future trips together. Our travel partner, Connoisseurs Tours, created “Evenings with the Experts” which attracted over 1,000 Dames and guests for virtual lectures. I have so many fond memories of visiting your Corporate Societies and Town Committees to celebrate your milestone anniversary celebrations and other special events. While I was disappointed that I could not continue my visits last spring, I cherish the memories from these
visits, especially the small dinners where we had the opportunity to get to know each other. Thank you for your wonderful Dames’ hospitality! The connections we make through the Dames mean so much to us, and although it is disappointing we have not been able to meet in person, I am most grateful we have embodied true Dames’ spirit by adapting to a new way of connecting to advance our Society’s business. Conducting virtual meetings and providing engaging online programming has kept us united throughout this challenging time. Our members are our lifeblood; we cannot do anything without your support and participation. Going forward, patriotic philanthropy will be as important as ever to ensure our organization continues to thrive. Our culture of philanthropy is alive and well. As the NSCDA enters a new chapter with different leadership, I want to recognize our Executive Director of National Headquarters - Dumbarton House, Karen Daly, for her many accomplishments during her 17 years with the Dames. Working closely with Karen for eight years during my tenure as Vice President, National Headquarters - Dumbarton House and as your National President was a true pleasure. While we will miss Karen, I know you join me in wishing her well in her new endeavor as President of Stratford Hall. This esteemed historic site is very fortunate to have her at the helm. It has truly been an honor, a privilege, and a great pleasure to serve as your National President. I am most grateful to the leadership team of the past four years for their commitment to the work of this Society and thank them for their efforts on behalf of our beloved organization. Though I shall miss serving as your President, I am so excited for the future of our Society. Your newly elected National Officers are a talented, dedicated team who are working together on achieving our strategic goals. I wish them the best and hope that as they serve our Society, their accomplishments and special memories will be many. Fondly,
NSCDA President, 2016-2020 Honorary President Dames Discovery | Fall 2020
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