Achievements and A Look Forward

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation has raised more than $2 million in contributions and pledges toward its $3 million goal. It is our pleasure to again be able to provide a $250,000 contribution in 2006 from the Partners in Preservation campaign toward the Estates restoration. Much has been accomplished at the Edison-Ford Winter Estates over the past several years.

• The restoration of Edison’s homes and gardens now stand strong as a testimony to the genius of an American inventor and the generosity of the American spirit.

• The Estates Board of Trustees was formed and the Estates is now designated as a 501 c 3 non-profit organization, responsible for its management and operations.

• The Estates became officially privatized from the City of Fort Myers as of October 1, 2006, as a result of the collective efforts and hard work of many individuals, such as John Keegan, president of the Charles Edison Fund, who with the Foundation, helped to fight the uphill battle for privatization. The Edison-Ford Winter Estates Foundation remains firmly committed to its mission to support future restoration projects at the Estates. With the successful restoration project complete and the campaign coming to a close, it became clear that a new direction was in order.

In June of 2006, the board unanimously voted to focus its efforts to build an endowment, funds from which would ensure the future sustainability of the Estates, grounds and educational programs in perpetuity. Proceeds from the Foundation’s galas and other special events will be used to continue the Foundation’s work and grow the endowment for future restoration efforts. In the spirit of the city’s lease agreement with the Estates, the Foundation looks forward to continuing to working with the Estates trustees and staff, the Charles Edison Fund, and others to benefit the Estates.

It is the mark of a healthy, caring community when its citizens rally to restore a priceless American Treasure as was the case with southwest Florida. With our community’s continued stewardship and support of the Foundation, the sustainability of the Estates for future generations will be assured.