SeaLady Blog - News and Updates

2010-04-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you again for all the success we had on the Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project. The project was concluded in 2009 and the Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project Committee has been disbanded.
However, the maintenance fund that was started with the funds left over from the project, plus new money earned from the sale of more bricks and plaques, is being maintained by the Alki Community Council here in Seattle, in cooperation with the Seattle Parks Department.
This blog will be discontinued, since the purpose of the basic "Sealady" project has been fulfilled. For more information about the maintenance, or to order a brick or plaque (there are a few available--act NOW), please contact David and Eilene Hutchinson at 206-933-8352 or sslpp@msn.com, or go to the website at www.sealady.org for more information. The website will be maintained for some time in the future.
Again, Thank you all so much for all your help. You have made this project a wonderful success.
Paul & Libby Carr,
C0-Chairs (retired)
Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project

Thank you so much!

2008-03-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

March 27, 2008

Thank you all so very much for the magnificent success of this project. It is a pleasure to report that we have slightly over $250,000 for this project, before expenses for advertising, Urban Sparks fiscal sponsorship, and minor administrative expenses. This amount includes the $50,000 the City of Seattle agreed to donate to the project earlier, and about $10,500 that NPA stated they had left from their prior fund-raising efforts. There will be no wage or salary expenses, as the Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project is completely done with volunteer labor.

The Landscape plaques and Benches are all sold, which raised significant income, but the brick donors have continued, as always to be the backbone of this program. It was Mike Boyle who had the original idea to sell bricks back when the Northwest Program for the Arts started this project, and SSLPP continued that program. See more on Mike Boyle below.

Because people wanted to continue to purchase bricks and be a part of the plaza, we have continued to sell bricks. However, the brick sale ends March 31, 2008. We must now stop the sale, because we are finally making significant headway in completing the project. It is now scheduled for completion by the Parks Department in September of this year. Therefore, we must now stop the sale of bricks to conform to the parameters of the proposed construction. If you wish to purchase a brick, you must go to www.sealady.org immediately, download the brick form, and purchase your brick.

While fund-raising efforts are completed, the SSLPP will remain active until the plaza is completed. At that time, this Project will cease entirely, since our group was formed only to complete this already-begun project, and to assure that the citizens of Alki Beach, West Seattle, and the greater Seattle community got the plaza for which they had worked for several years, and to which they donated significant contributions. There have already been construction cost increases because of prior delays in this project, and there will undoubtedly be additions and minor changes to the present design, so the funds raised in excess of the original goal may well be all used on the project. However, if any funds are still available when the project is completed, they will be used by our Fiscal Sponsor, Urban Sparks, to help fund other, similar projects here in Seattle.

Finally, since we now have a tentative period of time when the project may be completed, a new sub-committee of the SSLPP is forming under the leadership of Mike Boyle, a member of the SSLPP who (see above) was responsible for the brick sales idea years ago. This committee will coordinate the Plaza Celebration--it will be a wonderful event, and we will keep you posted on the details, as well as the details of the construction project as it develops.

Again, thank you to all who have done so much, and continue to do so much, to make our "Lady Liberty" plaza to welcoming place it will be for generations of people who visit Seattle or live here. More later.
Paul & Libby Carr, Co-Chairs,
Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project

New Financial News

2008-01-06T13:32:00.000-08:00

To All (as of January 5, 2008)--

We wanted to give you a new financial report concerning our progress on Fundraising for the Statue of Liberty since we are rapidly approaching our deadline of Jan. 15^th. We will stop actively raising funds on that date, but we will continue accepting funds as they come in.

We are happy to report that we are now within $25,000 of our total goal. We have 10 days left until our “official” fund-raising deadline. However, we definitely want to raise a bit more so there is a cushion for contingencies, such as possible increased costs in building materials, backs on some of the benches, etc. Also, we just want to be sure there is really enough money to build this design, including the landscaping, so we can get it all done at one time. That would be really nice!

We wanted to include a few photos here and make a few comments to answer several points that people on your Blog have written about in the past:

1. Since there have been numerous comments about keeping the existing pedestal (the design was too “fancy”), we wanted to share with you a series of photos we took in November of a person climbing all the way up to the statue to give her a big hug, and in broad daylight nonetheless! This photo is a clear reminder of what is the original and inherent problem with the existing pedestal and why it needs to be replaced, and not just “spiffed up.”

Just as average day, and another person climbing the statue...

2. It was decided some time ago raising the money to build the new pedestal would be done by selling bricks for a new plaza. That design would replace the planter and buckled asphalt, and would be a more people-friendly installation. It’s also been a way to bring the Alki and West Seattle community together as the vast majority of residents have clearly wanted to do this design, as evidenced by their donations.

3. There were plenty of public meetings too where people made suggestions; these were incorporated in the final plaza design. (See photo of 9/13/07 meeting on the timeline showing all public meetings).

Each group of type in the middle of the chart above represents a separate, important public meeting on the design of the project with the Parks Dept. and the public.

Finally, we want to extend a big “Thank You” to all of West Seattle and Alki residents who have stepped up to the plate and donated money and time to this campaign. As an example that this is a well-loved project here, we are attaching the map showing where most of the donors live who have contributed thus far. We have received money from far away places like Anchorage, Brooklyn, NY. and cities around the country, but the vast majority of contributors live in West Seattle. So a big “Thank You”, and please, still send money (206-938-8721) to take us “over the top” on this plaza project.

Each red dot represents a donor. Obviously, the big majority are from the West Seattle area (and some dots cover other dots), but donors who love this area have given contributions from every area of the United States.

And, yes, the Holiday Brick Special is still on to the end of the campaign on Jan. 15 (three bricks for the price of two). We have not yet sold 1,000 bricks and there is room in the design for 6,000, so please help to fill up the plaza with inscribed bricks. Also, if you would like to volunteer 3 hours and participate in our “viral” campaign of telling your friends about this opportunity, please call us. We have easy tasks you can do to spread the word to your friends who want to be a part of this historic and special place. Lastly, we still have 5 benches for sale (out of 14) for $5000, 3 landscape plaques (out of 6) for $2000 and there is still plenty of room on the Major Donor plaque that will go on the front of the statue. Let’s finish this project --- completely!

Thanks.

Libby & Paul Carr, Co-Chairs

Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project

206-938-8720 or -8721

News about Fundraising Efforts

2007-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

I am sure many of you have been waiting for a financial update on how we are doing at this point in time with the fundraising efforts for the Statue of Liberty Plaza project. I was waiting for the most recent figures, so here it is:

As of Wednesday, December 12th:

$13,500 – Funds raised thru Urban Sparks (Net)
$50,000 – Grant from City of Seattle
$10,500 – Prior fundraising balance

$74,000 - Total
+17,000 – Pledges currently identified
$91,000

More funds are continuing to be identified and pledged, so the rest of the money is in process and we could Use Your Help to Make It Happen!

Note: Expenses now accounted for include total $3,673.26 at this point in time. A 7% fee is charged by the fiscal sponsor, printing is already done for all promotional material (10,000 brochures, 5,000 inserts, 144 t-shirts), website expenses, postage & office supplies. No money has been expended for the volunteer time of the Carrs, or their committee members.

We think we are doing very well here and are optimistic that we will be successful in raising the rest of the money to build this design in 2008.

We have been in contact with the Mayor’s office and we are in agreement that we will build as much of this design as we have the money for, so yes, it is very important that we finish raising all the money needed to build this design. We would even like to have a bit left over, just in case for any further contingencies such as adding some backs to some of the benches, a suggestion that came from the Sept. 13th meeting. Also, the existing families with benches at the site now are being offered the option of having one of the new benches in the new design at no charge.

We are now also focusing on names for the Major Donor Plaque for the pedestal ($15,000+), Benches ($5,000) and a new category of Landscape Plaques ($2,000).

In general, we are ramping up fundraising efforts with special Brick promotions (see website www.sealady.org) more print and live media exposure, more internet and blog exposure, a fundraising event at Duke’s on Dec. 27, and just lots more phone calls in general to Statue supporters. We have agreed with staff in the Mayor’s office to wrap up fundraising efforts by January 15, 2008.

So, if you are one of the people whose been planning on buying a brick “one of these days,” that day has arrived! If you want to give a truly memorable gift this Holiday Season, there is probably no present that will last longer.

We know this community has the capacity to finish this project just as we have envisioned it now for 3+ years. Now is the time to step up and demonstrate what we can really accomplish together, and finish this project for generations of people to come.

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

Paul & Libby Carr, Co-Chairs of the SSLPP
www.sealady.org
206-938-8720

Latest News

2007-11-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

We are off and running with our final push to raise the balance of the funds for the pedestal and plaza. During December, particularly, we urge everyone to buy a "Christmas Brick"--give the gift of a brick to or for someone you care about. It will be a truly remembered gift, and one that will last for years and years.

Since we wish to be on the Spring construction schedule with the Seattle Parks Department (so everything is completed by Summer, 2008), we have to have the balance of the funds in so we can go out to bid in early 2008. Depending on costs (which never seem to go down), we may need another $80,000 or so, just to be on the safe side. That's 800 bricks--a lot to sell in a month, but it can be done.

However, not all the money needs to come from bricks. We also have our Major Donor category, which is $15,000 and above. The only one in that category at the moment is the City of Seattle; their City Council just officially passed on putting $50,000 toward these final construction costs. We are looking for other Major Donors.

We also have benches, with a plaque to go in front of each of them, at $5,000 and above. This Bench Donor category would be a wonderful, lasting tribute for organizations and families.

We also have a new category; the Landscape Marker Donor, at $2,000 and above. One person from New York City already purchased one for his family, and we expect more from this, but there are only a few places we will be able to put these markers.

Duke's on Alki will be hosting a Gala Dinner late in December on behalf of the project--more details later.

Additionally, we have a lot of "Elves" out there with brick donation brochures, so look for them.

This is the time to really finish this project. The enthusiasm is high, the City of Seattle is certainly committed (and we appreciate that very much), and a lot of good people have felt they waited too long already to see this project completed (including Libby and I--it's why we got involved).

Let's all look forward to enjoying a beautiful new plaza to host our beautiful new statue in the Summer of 2008, knowing we have left a gift for generations of people that reflects how proud we are of our country, our city, and our spirit of freedom and independence.

Thank you all very much.

Paul Carr

Going over the top in the next 75 days

2007-10-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

We're happy to report we are about halfway there with our plaza funding efforts, and our major push is just coming up! Our primary advertising piece will be out shortly, and we will be marshaling all of you wonderful people who volunteered to help to get the word out to everybody in Seattle and beyond. We want to see a lot of bricks purchased in the next 75 days!
Some successes already! One woman just sent in $1,100--an incredibly generous gift. Another West Seattle woman is an example to us all, as well as to her children and grandchildren. She and her husband believe strongly in philanthropic giving, and in setting an example for their children and grandchildren. They have 16 children and grandchildren--and they bought a brick for each one in lieu of presents. that is giving from the heart!
Which brings me to the point--Buy a Brick for the holidays. Make it a gift to someone you love, or just buy it for yourself and know that you are benefiting all of us for generations to come. The holiday season is a particularly good time to remember how much we all have, and that so much of it comes from the freedoms we enjoy.
Businesses can buy bricks too, either for the business itself, or to honor employees. What a tribute that would be--a brick to commemorate an employee's remarkable accomplishments. A trophy or a pen set just sits around someone's office or home, but an inscribed brick would be there for the world to see for the lifetime of the honoree. Now that's a tribute!
For many reasons, an inscribed brick is a wonderful gift, and a gift well worth remembering during this holiday season. And remember, our campaign really is succeeding, and therefore coming to a close. We are committed to having this project completed by Summer of 2008. If you want to your unique gift to grace this plaza for generations to come, NOW is the time.
Any questions—give us a call at 206-938-8720, or email us at info@sealady.org. Make this Holiday Season truly memorable--Give Bricks!

2007-09-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah! We apologize profusely for being so parsimonious with information for the past month or more, but we didn't really have any news. Suddenly, we have tons of it.
As you know now from the West Seattle Blog and the Alki Community News Blog, we finally got our 501(c)(3) status figured out. Not that we weren't working. We kept gathering names, getting commitments to work, etc. People are still interested and raring to go. To all of you who have contacted us, we will be getting back to you within the week with a newsletter or other information.
But now, finally, you can now contribute money. Our new Fiscal Sponsor is Urban Sparks, a Seattle organization devoted to helping projects just like ours. This assures you, as they state, "By contributing to Urban Sparks, you acknowledge that Urban Sparks has full control of the donated funds and full discretion to ensure that they are used in furtherance of Urban Sparks' 501(c)(3) purposes."
Without this status, our hands have been tied when it came to actually raising money for the project. Since completing the project is our only goal, that seemed a major hurdle.
And just in time...September 11 the new statue is being put back temporarily on the old base! Greg Nickels, the Mayor, and Tom Rasmussen, City Councilman, are co-hosting a "welcome back" party for her at 6 PM. We hope you will all be there.
September 13 at 7 PM the City Parks Department is hosting a meeting, complete with mediators, to "take the temperature" (their words) of the public about the project. Given that the Mayor is committing the City to support of the new pedestal and plaza two days before that meeting, we are all assuming this meeting will revolve around design issues. We hope you will all come to that meeting too; it's a good chance to tell the City if you want lights in the area, etc.
If you can't be at either of the meetings to see us, and you just can't wait to donate money, please send your check or money order to: SSLP/Urban Sparks, P O Box 17003, Seattle, WA 98127. A donation in any amount is appreciated. We will have a form up on the website for brick purchases within the next couple of days.
We will also open up this blog for general comments once we are in full swing, but first things first.
Thanks.
Paul Carr, Co-Chair
Seattle Statue of Liberty Committee--Phase II

Welcome to the Sealady Blog

2007-08-11T11:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your patience in waiting for our new website. We hope that Sealady.org and this Sealady Blog will help to keep all of you who have been so supportive informed of our progress. To the many of you who have already called and emailed with your support, we again say, "Thank You."
Please come back to www.sealady.org frequently, as we will be adding information pages, order forms, and progress reports as the work progresses. This blog will be expanded to include comments from the public shortly. In the meantime, you can email us from the website.
Paul & Libby Carr, Co-Chairs,
Seattle Statue of Liberty Committee--Phase II