2024: A Year in Review
Thank you!
In 2024, we celebrated our diamond anniversary of being your community nonprofit – a space to gather, learn and enjoy! We couldn’t have lasted 75 years without your support, but with it, we will be here for another 75!
Together, we commemorated our history from 1949 to 2024, and continued to expand our community, provide enrichment, bring joy, and build connective experiences. We are so grateful to be here, 75 years later, and remain the central heart of our community. Thank you for joining us in our celebrations!
A Letter from the President
Reflecting on the unforgettable celebration of our 75th anniversary in 2024, we are more motivated than ever to build upon the energy and enthusiasm created by the dedication and passion of our War Memorial staff. However, it's the deep connections within our community that truly stood out this year and made the most lasting impact.
In 2024, we had the privilege of bringing back cherished events, reenergizing our veterans' programs, and beginning vital repairs to the historic Alger House. Throughout our year-long anniversary celebration, we rekindled old friendships, forged new ones, and strengthened the relationships that define who we are. Whether you joined us for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, a SummerFest concert, Dinner with Chef, or Breakfast with Santa, we hope your time here was filled with special memories. We are beyond thankful for your unwavering support.
One event that stands out for me personally was the Tree Lighting Ceremony in November. It brought together people of all ages, with the festive spirit truly shining through making it an unforgettable evening for everyone involved.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are eager to continue offering our community exciting events, unique experiences, and the kind of warmth and hospitality that The War Memorial is known for. Be sure to visit our website regularly for updates on upcoming events, classes, volunteer opportunities, or to discover something new.
Here’s to another year of making memories together!
With gratitude,
Maria Miller, President & CEO
Continuing to restore and repair our 1910 estate!
We are grateful to all our supporters this year, as we leaned into our essential repairs throughout the historic Alger House and grounds.
With the establishment of our Historic House Fund, donations from our supportive community, and the focused mission of our annual fundraising gala, An Evening of Red, White & Blue, we were able to work on several projects within the Alger House, and properly plan for those upcoming.
In 2024, we completed work on the beautiful Front Circle Fountain - ensuring that the older mechanics were in working order for this wonderful staple of our estate. Very important, but not as front of mind, was the water mitigation work done in the lower level of the Arts and Education Wing - a necessary project to ensure our classrooms and students of all ages could continue their enrichment activities in safe and dry spaces. The most noticeable of our 2024 projects was the renovation of the largest room in the main floor of the Alger House - the Reception Room. In May, we were able to take a few weeks to repair the worn floor, baseboards, ceiling, and walls - ensuring that this elegant space could, once again, be the statement room for the glorious events in the house.
In 2025, we have big plans for the continued work on the estate, including repairing the clay tile roof, restoring the numerous French Doors facing the lake, and setting aside a designated time to renovate the Library's walls, ceiling, and baseboards. The Alger House is preparing for its facelift!
If you would like to help support this important work, please make a donation to our Historic House Fund.
Interested in learning more? You can book your slot on one of our monthly tours by clicking here.
Save the Date!
Join us on May 21, 2025 for our annual fundraiser to continue the good work for our mission, community, and historic house updates at An Evening of Red, White & Blue!
Interested in sponsoring the event, hosting a table, or donating an auction item or bottle of wine, contact us here!
2024 Community Attendance
We were honored to welcome over 80,000 individuals to The War Memorial in 2024, where your support helped us create meaningful connections through free and engaging community events. From the return of the SummerFest concert series to our cherished Tree Lighting Ceremony, these gatherings brought people together, growing awareness of our mission and fostering a sense of community.
Thanks to you, the Fred M. Alger Center was a hub for celebrations and meaningful moments, hosting everything from weddings and concerts to impactful events like the Memorial Day Celebration, Vietnam Veterans Day Breakfast, Bunny Brunch, Veterans Day Breakfast, and Breakfast with Santa. These events reflect the heart of what we do—honoring heroes and enriching lives. Your participation and support make it all possible, and we are truly grateful.
Enjoy a Slideshow of 2024 Event Photos
Goal of $75,000 for our 75th Year
This fall, we released our end of year appeal for our Annual Fund and are very encouraged by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from our growing community of supporters! Through this annual appeal, and Giving Tuesday campaign, we have raised over $42,000!
We could not do this without your support! Every gift helps us elevate our programs and sustain our outreach and assistance to our 70+ community collaborators and the hundreds of thousands who walk through our doors each year! Your generosity fuels our work, and every gift, no matter how large or small, enables us to plan for major projects that change lives.
It’s not too late to give for 2024
We are asking our community to help us reach out goal of $75,000 in honor of our 75th year! It's not too late to help! If you would like to join our mailing list or receive a 2024 Annual Appeal letter, please contact us!
You can also learn more about our funds and make a donation online on our support page.
Share the Gift of The War Memorial with future Generations!
As you consider your End-of-Year giving, we encourage you to think of us! There are tax-smart ways to contribute, from stocks, grants from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), or making a Qualified Charitable Distribution. These methods and others, outlined in our Moorings Legacy Society information, will provide you with additional tax benefits while significantly impacting our mission. Contact us to learn more about these giving options!
Sponsor an Upcoming Event
Are you looking for a way to expand your business marketing efforts and get in front of an engaged and energetic group? Our 2025 sponsorship catalogue is now available! Events range from our fundraising gala, concerts, classes, and educational lectures. Click here to view the full catalogue.
The War Memorial Store
Give your loved one a piece of The War Memorial's story this holiday! You can find delicate wines with beautiful art, one-of-a-kind photos of Les Braves II, a cozy fleece blanket, our collection of custom Pewabic tiles, and much more! There's something for everyone! Shop here.
Recapping 75 years of stories
As The War Memorial closes out our 75th anniversary in 2024, we wanted to send a sincere thank you to everyone who shared their stories with us. Having an impact on the community means more to us than we can ever express, but the true magic comes from the community that supports us, and the individual lives we enrich.
Our diamond anniversary began with the story of Chris and Libby McDonald, a couple who had their wedding reception at our nonprofit organization in January 2018. In fact, it was also at The War Memorial in 1983 when Libby’s parents, Jeff and Sally Stallings, were married.
Elaborating on what appealed to them about The War Memorial, Chris McDonald said “It had more than just curbside appeal. We were able to be part of a relatively small group of people that The War Memorial affords the opportunity to do that with.” Continue Reading…
Inside The Memorial
We launched our very own podcast this year! Our President and CEO, Maria Miller invites guests from around the region to discuss engaging topics, newsworthy items, and much more. You can expect to hear from The War Memorial staff, community members, our partners, and more! Click here to listen, subscribe on your favorite platform, or even watch the interviews on our YouTube channel.
