February 26, 2009
Dear Brethren In Christ:
Last November the Trenton Senior R Club announced a large fundraising project for St. Vladimir Church through the painting of a 10 ft. x 24 ft. wall mural in Daria Hall. For generations to come, this mural will be a reminder of current parishioners, past parishioners, and wonderful friends of our parish. Your name and your family’s name will be remembered in perpetuity as every block will be represented by a brass name plate indicating who that block was purchased by or in memory of. As parishioners and friends of the parish, we need your obligation to help sustain our parish. What better way to do it and be remembered for your generosity! Following is an update on this exciting project.
Anne Cheslock has been spending many hours each week at Daria Hall. Anne and her husband, Sergey, hung the framed canvas on the wall, and Anne has been painting acrylic outlines in preparation for the actual opaque acrylic painting that will be performed by the mural donors along with Anne’s assistance. The mural looks beautiful and is truly inspirational! In fact, Anne indicated she may start scheduling appointments to start painting in the next few weeks – we will keep everyone informed!
So far we are happy to report that over the last 4 months, 64 of the 240 mural blocks have been spoken for! This means we have pledges of $25,600, or 27% of our goal. And, almost half of the pledged money has already been collected! This letter serves not only as a project update, but also as a reminder that there are many more blocks to sell. Our parish properties need a lot of improvements and upgrades. The cost of repairs and maintenance is escalating as our buildings get older and more maintenance is needed. On the top of the list of improvements are handicapped accessibility to the church and the Daria Hall kitchen. The handicapped access will allow our elderly and disabled parishioners and friends to be able to worship in our beautiful church without having to struggle up the steps. The kitchen improvements will give the parish an opportunity to sell our delicious foods and baked goods to the outside world, and raise funds to keep our parish solvent.
Your parish needs your help! For our parishioners and friends who have not yet pledged, or even for those who already have pledged but may wish to purchase additional blocks, we will be happy to give you a Donor Pledge form. You can advise which area on the mural picture where you would like to select your block(s). Return the pledge form to the church address – we will select a block that is still available closest to your choice, and a copy of the pledge form will be returned to you. Remember, you have four years to pay off your pledge! We only require 25% of your pledge be paid every calendar year, either through installment payments or a one-time payment
The church needs your help and support to survive! Although you may not attend church services on a regular basis, the church is still there for you - in health or sickness, or when you need spiritual assistance or guidance. Not only do we struggle personally in these tough economic times, but the church struggles also. Our parish members, along with our various fundraisers, are a very integral part of keeping our parish afloat. Please reach out to your family members, former parishioners, and Orthodox friends and tell them about this exciting project! You may contact any of the following Senior R Club members for assistance with your pledge:
Paul Kavchok – President Phone 609-585-4702 or 609-802-6498
Anne Cheslock – Artistic Director Phone 609-433-0648
Darice Keyes – Secretary Phone 267-987-5156 or 215-321-8558
Nina Laushell – Treasurer Phone 215-428-2177 or 215-260-1411
Thank you for your support. We all want to be remembered as being part of our beloved St. Vladimir parish - this project gives us all that opportunity!
Orthodoxy in America
