May 31, 2020
Dear Geneva Point Center Friends,
Our Board of Directors has made the sad decision to cancel all remaining group, individual and family bookings for the rest of 2020. We know there is great disappointment felt by everyone who would have been here this summer.
As you may have heard, Governor Sununu announced yesterday that New Hampshire lodging establishments could open on June 5 and that summer overnight youth camps would be able to open on June 28. That sounds good, but the reality is that most youth
and
family camps across the state had already decided to take this summer off and look forward to 2021. All of the youth, family and adult camps set to occur at Geneva Point Center had already been cancelled by their own participants and leaders. The primary concerns expressed by those groups are undoubtedly the same as yours, especially about the many vulnerable individuals who are so important to the Geneva Point Center community. Our board and staff share those concerns. If Geneva Point is open in any fashion this summer or fall, it will only occur in compliance with CDC and New Hampshire guidelines, with the health and safety of our guests, volunteers and employees being the top priority.
Although the summer we all planned at Geneva Point will not happen, we still have a lot to be thankful for and good reasons to be hopeful. There may even still be a few fun ways to enjoy a visit to GPC this summer.
Geneva Point Center continues to be resilient and make a positive difference in the world. Not surprisingly, operating revenue for this year will be very low, and that will have a significant negative impact, but our balance sheet is still healthy with no long-term debt. We have a strong and active Board of Directors, a creative, capable and dedicated staff, and the continuing financial support of our annual and sustaining contributors. We are also grateful to those who have made special COVID support gifts to help GPC.
Financially sustaining Geneva Point through 2020 is a top priority, along with making sure our buildings and grounds are in at least as good condition for the 2021 season as they were in our 100
th
anniversary season in 2019.
In addition to the support noted above, we are inspired by the growing number of people and organizations who are making donations specifically for the Barn Project on top of all the other support they have and continue to give. We still hope that work on the Barn might begin sometime this summer.
Another inspiration is a $1,000 matching gift from a GPC friend which will give us $100 each for up to 10 new sustaining pledges of $10/month or more.
As the Board made the decision to cancel the rest of our 2020 bookings, it also approved an alternate plan for this summer and fall. The plan starts with the opening of the GPC Ice Cream Shop in June. Gibbes House and Lakeview Lodge may be available on a limited basis for rental to families. GPC trails will continue to be open daily. While there will be no regular food service, there may be a new evening pizza, sandwich and beverage service at the Inn Porch. More details about all that will be available soon.
Once again, we are grateful to all who have called or written or contributed. Your support means so much. Together we are making sure that Geneva Point Center will be making the world a better place for a long time.
Best wishes and many thanks,
