Securing the Future:
The ADS National Show Endowment Campaign
The heartbeat of our ADS community lies in the excellence of our national exhibitions. To ensure these showcases remain a permanent fixture of our heritage, we are thrilled to announce a significant push for the ADS National Show Endowment Fund. This fund is designed to provide a permanent, sustainable financial bedrock for our national shows, protecting them from economic fluctuations and ensuring that future generations can experience the same caliber of artistry and competition we enjoy today.
The Goal: A Legacy in the Making
We have set an ambitious but vital goal to raise $150,000 for the endowment. This will allow the annual interest earned from the endowment to be given to a society interested in hosting a national show. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community members, we have already raised $45,000 toward this total! Now, we are looking to bridge the gap through a special commemorative campaign.
Honoring Eleanor and Wayne Shantz
In a cornerstone moment for this fund, a naming gift pledge has been established to honor the lifelong dedication of Eleanor and Wayne Shantz. Their impact on our organization has been profound, and this endowment will serve as a lasting tribute to their legacy. To reach our goal, we are launching a tiered matching campaign to inspire individual and society-level giving:
- The Shantz First Match: Every dollar donated by individuals or societies will be matched 1:1, up to the first $25,000. This effectively doubles your impact the moment you give.
- The Board Challenge: If—and only if—we successfully meet that first $25,000 goal, the Board of Directors will consider a second match of an additional $25,000.
If both matches are triggered and met, we will be well on our way to our $150,000 target!
How You Can Participate
This campaign is timed to align with your mid or year-end charitable giving goals. We are seeking support from:
- Individual Members: No gift is too small when every dollar is doubled.
- Affiliated Societies: Help us honor the Shantzes by contributing as a collective group.
The campaign will run through December 31, 2026. However, please consider giving by August 15th as we would like to verbally recognize endowment donors at the 59th ADS National Show & Exhibition in Michigan at the awards banquet on Saturday, August 29. By contributing now, you aren’t just giving a gift; you are ensuring that the “National Show” remains a vibrant, well-funded reality for decades to come. Let’s honor Eleanor and Wayne by making this vision a reality. Double your impact today. Visit our donation page to contribute to the ADS National Show Endowment Fund. Thank you!
More about the National Show Endowment
Please consider making a gift to the ADS National Show Endowment Fund. Thank you!
Donate to Fund
To make a gift by US mail, contact:
Charles Miehm
Treasurer ADS
38430 Piggott Bottom Road
Hamilton, VA 20158
treasurer@dahlia.org
The American Dahlia Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Gifts to the ADS are tax deductible. Gifts received by December 31 can be included in that year’s tax return.