The Donor Wall: a Work of Art
When we enter a public space such as a hospital, community center, or library, we often notice a prominent wall area where the names of individuals, businesses, and foundations are listed. These names represent generous community members and entities that cared deeply for a cause or project, trusted the mission, and made a gift to positively impact the organization and the people it serves.
Outside fundraising circles, little thought is given to the planning behind a Donor Wall. But let me tell you: seeing their name listed as part of a tasteful and distinctive display is a significant pleasure for donors. A beautiful design, somehow related to the mission, is the least a foundation can do to show gratitude.
When The Brethren Home Foundation completed its capital campaign for the Brookside Memory Care Residence, the sober Donor Wall was created from Jerusalem Stone, a stone used since ancient times. The Jerusalem Stone texture invites you to touch the donors’ names, stressing the importance of sensory perception among Brookside residents.
In total contrast, The Foundation’s recent Vitality Campaign to enhance village life, features a whimsical Donor Wall consisting of brightly colored acrylic disks, incorporating symbols of art, music, and wellness.
The Foundation is currently raising 100 percent of the cost to build Lifespring at Cross Keys Village, a Day Service and Memory Support Resource Center. As the Foundation team envisioned the upcoming Donor Wall, they turned to Karen Singer Tileworks to create a large mural made of tile to extend the length of the entry wall. Karen Singer is no stranger to CKV, having completed a spectacular series of custom tiles to celebrate the completion of Nicarry Meetinghouse in 2008.
Earlier this year, Karen spent a day exploring Hanover, New Oxford, and Gettysburg to get a better “feel” for the local landscape and architecture. Then, last week, members of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee toured her workshop in Philadelphia, where they reviewed creative options for the project. On the drive back, the group discussed their eagerness to see the finished building – of course – and also the Donor Wall.
Take a moment the next time you discover one of these prominent features in a public building. A successful Donor Wall is one that clearly expresses each gift to the organization was made with love.
Mindy Langer
Communications and Gift Officer, Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
Update: This is the finished project, as unveiled in December 2024.
