THE “PENNIES FOR LINCOLN” FUND DRIVE EXPLANATION SHEET
WHAT:
Two donation drives comprise this activity. During 2009, Meadow Gold Dairies will collect change from the public in milk jugs at commercial sites throughout the state to support Bicentennial activities. During 2008, we sponsored a fundraising effort by Idaho school teachers and pupils. As a classroom activity, the collection of “Pennies for Lincoln” was encouraged in support of the teaching, celebration and recognition of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth on February 12, 1809. Over 325,000 pennies were collected.
WHO:
Supported by Meadow Gold Dairies and sponsored by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, all schools, teachers and classes and members of the public are encouraged to participate. Everyone is encouraged to bring Lincoln pennies or other spare change to class or to a participating convenience store and deposit it in a collection jug.
WHEN:
The public portion of the Fund Drive runs through September 2009. Pennies will be converted to bank checks and sent to the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
WHY:
The amazing story of Lincoln’s special relationship to Idaho Territory is told at “lincolnbicentennial.idaho.gov.” In 1915 the wives of Civil War Union veterans donated the oldest Lincoln monument and statue in the Western United States to Idaho. It will be renovated and relocated from the Veterans Home in Fort Boise next to a parking lot, to a place of great prominence in front of the Statehouse. A rededication plaque and ceremony will recognize the efforts of Idaho’s school children and veterans in helping move the statue. The school collecting the most money, North Valley Academy from Gooding, will participate in the ceremony representing all Idaho elementary schools.
HOW WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT?
Funds collected will be used to:
- Conserve the bronze statue and repair the base.
- Move the statue and base to a new location.
- Prepare the new site and building and landscape a new monument area.
- Create and install a new rededication plaque.
- Hold the rededication ceremony on February 12, 2009, at the new site.
- Cover the costs of a high school Essay Contest and prizes.
- Continue to move the Lincoln and Idaho Traveling Museum Exhibit to communities and schools through the State.
- Assist in publishing a Lincoln and Idaho periodical for distribution in Idaho schools.
- Make a donation to the Veteran’s Assistance Funds Program through the Idaho State Veteran’s Home.
- Cover costs and support other long term projects of the Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
HOW TO HELP:
Contact the Commission Chairman if your business or school is not otherwise participating!
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS:
Please contact:
David H. Leroy, Chairman
Idaho Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
P.O. Box 193, Boise, Idaho 83701
(208) 342-0000, fax: (208) 342-4200