Volume 2, Issue 12 - December 2024 | |
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Dear Friends,
As we close out 2024 and enter the Holiday Season, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the progress we’ve made together in preserving, restoring, and celebrating the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
Your support has helped us achieve significant milestones, and we’re thrilled to share some of them in this month’s newsletter.
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First, we proudly announce that Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse has earned the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency. This recognition reflects our commitment to accountability and integrity as we work to restore this historic landmark. Thank you for trusting us to steward this vital mission.
This issue details our upcoming Giving Tuesday campaign on December 3, 2024. This global day of giving is an opportunity to support our work and claim exclusive thank-you gifts, including Barry Butler’s stunning 2025 Chicago Calendar and a personalized and signed copy of his newest book, Chicago – Morning, Noon & Night.
Don’t forget to check with your company for matching gift opportunities to increase your donation.
We’re also excited to share an update on our NHLPA application. After months of dedicated work, we are in the final review stages of the second round and expect to submit our application to the National Park Service in the coming weeks. This marks a critical step forward in securing ownership of the lighthouse, and we couldn’t have reached this point without your steadfast support.
USLHS Passport Holders, please see the exciting announcement below about our partnership with the Chicago Maritime Museum and our new CHL Stamp!
Also, we are inspired by the perseverance and dedication of our friends at Navy Pier Marina, as construction on their long-awaited facility on the pier’s north side began in November 2024, a beautiful new facility that could be critical to facilitating us to provide safe, public access to the lighthouse!
Finally, as we enter this season of reflection and joy, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season. Your dedication to preserving the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is a gift that will shine brightly for generations to come.
Thank you for being a part of this remarkable journey. Here’s to a bright 2025!
Be Safe and Be Well.
Regards,
Kurt Lentsch
Chief Dreamer and President
P.S. While making your holiday gift-giving plans, take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $75.00 through December 31, 2024, in our online store, www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/store.
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Friends of Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar! | |
We are proud to share that we have been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar. This honor recognizes our commitment to openness, accountability, and responsible stewardship of your contributions. | |
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For those unfamiliar, Candid is a leading nonprofit organization that provides trusted information about the nonprofit sector. Formed by the merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center, Candid connects donors, organizations, and other stakeholders with accurate, transparent data to foster trust and effective philanthropy. Earning the Gold Seal places us among the top nonprofits recognized for our dedication to transparency and excellence.
Visit our Candid profile on GuideStar (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/76821fab-b554-40a8-b18e-cdff86c4d68a) to learn more about our organization, financial practices, and the impact of your support.
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A Great Opportunity to Support Our Mission on Giving Tuesday! | |
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Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and join the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse in celebrating Giving Tuesday!
This global day of giving is your chance to make a meaningful impact on preserving and restoring one of Chicago's most cherished landmarks—the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
All donations are accepted—every contribution, no matter how small, helps us move closer to our goal. Your generosity fuels our mission to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate this historic icon, ensuring it continues to shine brightly for future generations.
When you donate on Giving Tuesday, your contribution not only supports the lighthouse but also unlocks special rewards as our way of saying thank you for your support!
Donate $100 or more
Receive a free Barry Butler 2025 Chicago Calendar, featuring stunning photography of the prettiest city in America.
Donate $300 or more
Get the calendar plus a personalized, signed copy of Barry Butler’s newest book, Chicago – Morning, Noon & Night! This beautiful hardcover book showcases 100 breathtaking images capturing Chicago at every time of day.
It’s simple! Visit www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/donate on December 3, 2024, to make your gift and claim your exclusive thank-you gifts.
Did you know many companies offer matching gift programs? Check with your employer to see if your donation qualifies to be matched, doubling your contribution and making an even greater impact on preserving the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
Your support on Giving Tuesday will directly help:
· Preserve the lighthouse’s historic structure.
· Advance restoration efforts, including dock installation for improved
accessibility.
· Promote educational programs to celebrate the lighthouse’s rich
history.
Let’s make this Giving Tuesday unforgettable. Together, we can ensure the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse continues to shine bright as a symbol of our city’s history, beauty, and community spirit.
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Nearing a Milestone: Final Stages of the Second Round NHLPA Application to National Park Service.
We’re happy to report that after months of dedicated effort, we are in the final review stages of the second round of our application with the National Park Service (NPS). We are on schedule to submit it to NPS in the coming weeks.
The NHLPA application process is rigorous and thorough, requiring us to demonstrate our ability to preserve, restore, and maintain the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse in a way that honors its historical significance. With the expert guidance of our Team and our consultant, AltusWorks, we’ve carefully addressed every detail to meet the expectations and requirements outlined by the NPS.
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This submission represents a pivotal moment in our journey. It includes a comprehensive assessment of the lighthouse’s current conditions, detailed restoration plans with cost estimates, and a strategic vision for its long-term preservation and accessibility.
Once our application is approved and the ownership transfer is finalized, we’ll embark on the next chapter—beginning on-site restoration efforts and launching programs to engage and inspire the community.
We thank you for your support as we reach this critical milestone. Together, we’re transforming the dream of preserving the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse into a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this next step!
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What do the US Lighthouse Society’s Passport Program, Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, and Chicago Maritime Museum have in common?
The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse have partnered with the Chicago Maritime Museum to serve as the official in-person location for purchasing USLHS Passport Books and obtaining the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse stamp!
The U.S. Lighthouse Society’s popular Lighthouse Passport Program offers lighthouse enthusiasts a unique way to commemorate their travels by collecting official stamps from participating lighthouses. This program also supports vital lighthouse restoration efforts.
FOCHL has applied for an official passport stamp for the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. The design has been finalized, the stamps are ordered, and we anticipate the program's launch by the end of December.
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Once the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse opens for public visits, Passport members can collect the official U.S. Lighthouse Society-designed Chicago Harbor Lighthouse stamp during their visit.
In the meantime, members can still support the lighthouse restoration and add the stamp to their passports by mailing requests to FOCHL or visiting our partner, the Chicago Maritime Museum, for an in-person stamp.
Stay tuned to this newsletter for updates on the launch of this exciting program!
Learn more about the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Passport Program and membership at uslhs.org/passports. To explore the Chicago Maritime Museum and support Chicago’s maritime history, visit ChicagoMaritimeMuseum.org.
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Construction Begins on Navy Pier Marina - Our Newest Neighbor | |
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Construction began in November on the long-anticipated Navy Pier Marina, a state-of-the-art facility set to enhance Chicago's waterfront experience.
“The years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to this project have come to fruition with this major milestone,” said Randy D. Podolsky, developer of Navy Pier Marina.
“Believing in a dream and making it a reality makes it all worthwhile to be able to bring recreational boater access to Navy Pier. Navy Pier Marina will offer limited availability to seasonal commercial vessels including fishing, sailing, dive and social charters, boat clubs, cruises, dealers, and other boat-share operations, in addition to prolific transient access via our easy-to-use online reservation system,” he added.
This marina is a game-changer for our efforts to preserve and celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. With its prime location and modern infrastructure, the Navy Pier Marina has the potential to become the home base for commercial charter boats, providing safe and convenient access for visitors traveling to Chicago to visit the lighthouse.
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The marina's completion, expected in June 2025, will open new opportunities to connect the public with the lighthouse’s rich history and breathtaking views. As we continue to work toward restoration and public access to the lighthouse, this development is a significant step forward in making our vision a reality.
We are thrilled by the recent announcement:
"The Chicago International Boat Show at Navy Pier Marina will take place from August 21–24, 2025, at Navy Pier, an iconic waterfront destination in the heart of Chicago. This event builds on the momentum of the Newport Beach International Boat Show at Lido Marina Village (May 1–4, 2025) and the San Diego International Boat Show at Safe Harbor Marinas Sun Road (June 19–22, 2025)."
Welcome to the Neighborhood! We can't wait to see this world-class event come to Chicago!
To learn more about or follow along on their progress at Navy Pier Marina, visit www.NavyPierMarina.com
| Photo Credit: John Sheehan - Hawkwind Droneworks | |
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Support the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse: End-of-Year Giving Opportunities!
As we approach the end of the year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from donors like you. Your generosity has brought us closer to our goal of preserving and celebrating the historic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
We are excited to announce that the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse can now accept stock donations, making it easier and more advantageous for you to contribute to our mission. Donating stock can offer significant tax benefits while ensuring the lighthouse remains a beacon of history and community pride.
Whether you’re passionate about preserving this historic landmark or committed to enhancing public access and educational programs, your support is vital.
Here are several ways you can contribute:
One-Time Gifts: Make a meaningful impact with a one-time donation that helps us reach new fundraising milestones.
Recurring Monthly Donations: Spread your generosity throughout the year with manageable monthly contributions.
Employer Matching: Many employers offer matching gift programs—check to see if yours will double or even triple your contribution!
In-Kind Donations: Support our restoration efforts with materials, supplies, or expertise.
Legacy Gifts: Include us in your estate plans to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
As you consider your end-of-year charitable contributions, we would like to invite you to include the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse in your giving plans. Together, we can create a brighter future for this cherished Chicago icon.
For more information, please visit www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/donate
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Now Accepting Securities as Donations
We are also excited to announce that Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse now accepts donations in securities, such as stocks and bonds.
Donating securities offers a unique opportunity to support our mission while potentially maximizing the impact of your gift.
Tax Benefits: Your stock donation is tax-deductible to the extent law permits if you pay taxes in the United States.
Capital Gains Savings: Donating appreciated securities directly may avoid capital gains taxes you would incur if you sold the assets, making this a potentially cost-effective way to give generously.
Professional Guidance: As with any tax-related matter, we encourage you to consult with a qualified tax advisor to fully understand the benefits and implications of your donation.
To learn more or to initiate a gift of securities, please visit the Donate page on our website, www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/donate.
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Exciting news! The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse (FOCHL) Online Store is live and offers FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $75.00 through December 31, 2024.
Check out our fun new t-shirt design and pick up some extra pins and stickers to share with your friends and family. The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse Model makes a great holiday gift for your favorite Chicagoan!
All proceeds from the FOCHL Online Store support our mission to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
Visit www.SaveTheLighthouse.org/store today and show your support!
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Book a Save The Lighthouse Presentation | |
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If you are part of a group of 25 or more interested in learning more about the history of our lighthouse and our efforts, please contact Steve Clements (steveclements@savethelighthouse.org to discuss the possibility of scheduling a presentation for your group.
These presentations will discuss the Lighthouse’s rich history, present condition, and future plans to celebrate and share with the public, its significance to the legacy of Chicago history.
Speakers Kurt Lentsch, President, FCHL and Edward Torrez, Preservation Architect, have engaged audiences throughout the city for many months with their thoughtful and inspiring presentations on the CHL.
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Volunteer Your Time and Talent | |
Photo credit: Barry Butler | |
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We would appreciate your help. Volunteer and join us in our mission to save the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and keep its legacy alive for generations.
We are a passionate organization dedicated to preserving, restoring, and celebrating the historic Chicago Harbor Lighthouse for future generations. Our mission would not be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers who share our passion and commitment to this iconic landmark.
As a volunteer with Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact in preserving a historic Chicago landmark cherished by our city.
If you want to donate your talents and join our team, please visit our volunteer page at savethelighthouse.org/volunteer to learn more.
We are seeking talented and experienced part-time volunteers to assist us in fundraising (especially grant writing), construction, and community outreach, helping us build and maintain our connections to local and national organizations.
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Some of the talented volunteers, who are building this dream. | |
If you are part of an organization that has an interest in financially supporting our efforts to Preserve, Restore, and Celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, please reach out to Nick Naber (nicknaber@savethelighthouse.org), our treasurer and a member of our fundraising working group. | |
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Even a small donation could help
Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
reach our fundraising goal.
And if you are unable to make a monetary donation at this time, we ask if you could please share the fundraiser information, to help our cause.
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Your contributions enable us to offset the start-up costs for the Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and begin the preservation and restoration work that is greatly needed on this historic place... We are very grateful for your generosity.
The Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is a 501c3 organization
so please make a tax-deductible gift to help us Save the Lighthouse!
www.SaveTheLighthouse.org
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Copyright © 2024 Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse - All Rights Reserved. | | | | |
