Message to the Community

Dear Friends,

Since Dammie Day first introduced the legend of King Arthur as the foundational story of Merrie-Woode lore, the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail have been a guiding theme woven into Camp life for generations. Now, in the midst of an unprecedented time in our world, the Merrie-Woode community is finding many opportunities to put into practice the values championed by the Knights of the Round Table: courage, determination, patience, and self-sacrifice. Whether as healthcare workers safeguarding the lives of their patients or as one of the many working from home and striving to fulfill their daily responsibilities in the face of upheaval, Merrie-Woode alumnae, staff, and campers are drawing on values assimilated during their years at Camp.

During these challenging times, many of us have closed our eyes and imagined ourselves back at Camp, providing a brief moment of respite from the worries of the day. Memories of laughing with cabin-mates while walking to Castle in the morning, swimming in the cool waters of Lake Fairfield at midday, listening to the breeze rustling the leaves of trees during rest hour, and drifting to sleep after the last bars of Taps have played – these memories connect us to the carefree season of childhood and to the friends with whom we shared these precious moments. We are reminded how fortunate we are to have the bonds of Merrie-Woode connecting us to others throughout the country and world. We are likewise grateful for the ideals of simplified living introduced during summers at Merrie-Woode, which have never been more important and relevant than today, when life has been scaled back to the essentials.

The Merrie-Woode experience and the values that it instills in each camper and staff member would not be possible without the generosity of the many individuals and foundations who give unreservedly to continue Merrie-Woode’s ongoing operations. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize these extraordinary supporters in this year’s Green and Grey Gratitude: The Merrie-Woode Foundation, Inc. Annual Report. In addition, we are more thankful than ever for the many generous gifts that led to the establishment of Merrie-Woode’s Endowment. In 2019, we received the first distribution from the Endowment funds, which provided significant financial support for a number of projects. Details of the Endowment’s performance can be found on pages 12-13. As we look ahead, we are immensely grateful for the increased financial stability that our Endowment provides during an unexpectedly tumultuous year.

As we honor the generosity of those who give so willingly and generously to Merrie-Woode, we are reminded of King Arthur’s knights, their spirit of self-sacrifice, and their dedication to follow the best that was in their hearts. We thank each and every one of you for your devotion to Merrie-Woode and for continuing to follow the gleam.

Denice and Jim Dunn Executive Directors

Clair Freeman Marshall Chair, Board of Trustees