The country is heading into a recession. Interest rates are rising, and business activity is declining. The nation is bitterly divided. What would you do if someone came to you today, amid these conditions, and said they wanted to launch a $7.5 million fundraising campaign?
That’s exactly what Ann Pamela Cunningham did in 1853, during an economic downturn and with America on the verge of Civil War. With no fundraising experience, no staff, and against many odds, Ann led a nationwide effort to raise the funds necessary to purchase and restore George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Through her passion and innovative strategies, Ann raised the equivalent of $7.5 million today, ensuring Washington’s legacy lived on for future generations.
Ann’s story is an inspiring reminder that in times of crisis, opportunity often arises. She didn’t let the economic headwinds or her personal challenges hold her back. Instead, she forged ahead and created one of the most iconic historic preservation efforts in American history.
