Conservancy announces $300,000 matching grant by Mr. Gerry Lenfest
The SS United States Conservancy is thrilled to announce that Mr. H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest has pledged $300,000 in a matching grant towards the purchase of the SS United States.
The Philadelphia Inquirer covered this announcement here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/52049967.html
“We are extremely grateful to Mr. Lenfest for this generous offer,” said Conservancy President Susan Gibbs. “It shows real commitment to an important cause and we think it will stimulate others to similarly get involved.”
Gibbs clarified that the grant would not be used by the Conservancy to purchase the ship. Rather, the role of the Conservancy will be to stimulate the development of a public-private partnership that can become the appropriate structure to accept this donation.
“We will continue to work on details with Mr. Lenfest and his staff about how this grant can be best leveraged to accomplish our shared mission of saving the SS United States,” she said. “The Conservancy is not the right entity to purchase the ship, given the complicated legal and logistical considerations implied in such a transfer. However, the Conservancy is in an excellent position to support and guide a public-private partnership to re-purpose the ship as a stationary attraction.”
Conservancy Board Member Steve Ujifusa was instrumental in approaching Mr. Lenfest and organizing a large awareness event for the Conservancy at Ikea of South Philadelphia, where the formal announcement was made.
“I am grateful to Judge Tom Watkins for his interest and support in making this grant possible,” said Ujifusa. “Both of us, as supporters of the ship, understood the importance of furthering the momentum in Philadelphia. When Judge Watkins’ talks about the SS United States, people cannot help but stop and listen. His enthusiasm and eloquence continue to open doors for us.”
Gerry Lenfest is Chairman of the Board, of Telvue Corporation as well as Chairman of the Lenfest Group, LLC. As a leader in the communications field, Mr. Lenfest was instrumental in shaping what has become the cable television industry. In 1974, he started Lenfest Communications with the purchase of two cable television companies.
He established the Lenfest Foundation with his wife in 2000, which supports a wide range of educational, environmental, and cultural interests.
Mr. Lenfest is active in civic affairs. He serves as Chairman of the Board of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Chairman of the James Madison Council of the Library of Congress, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Curtis Institute of Music. He also serves on Columbia University’s Board of Trustees. He is a graduate of Columbia Law School.
Mr. Lenfest served in the United States Navy, in command of a Destroyer Escort and three Destroyer reserve crews. He retired with the rank of captain and received commendations from the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations.
The announcement also appeared in the following Philadelphia outlets:
KYW: http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/4906202.php
Philebrity: http://www.philebrity.com/2009/07/30/anonymous-donor-to-ss-united-states-no-longer-anonymous/
Reader Comments
Mr. Lenfest is also Chairman of the Board of the American Revolution Center, which will be the only national museum of the American Revolution when it is built, in the near future, in the historic area of Philadelphia. He has also been a generous benefactor of the Center.
David Acton
Member, Board of Directors
American Revolution Center
When will we know the details on how the grant works? How can we raise funds so that the grant will be matched? Is there a time limit?
Gerry,
I worked for you at Triangle Publications’ Cable TV Operations in 1973. Had an office on West Chest Pk in Broomall, PA. I’m recalling our times at Birmingham Cable TV, Birmingham, NY and our working together and involments with Cable TV applications in Haverford. PA and mtgs with you at the Ardmore office. At your home as well.
Impressed with the good you’re doing. Just trying to get in touch with you. My address and phone number:
1005 N. Franklin St., Apt 1115
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302)504-0532