The Foundation Of The Garrett-Williamson Foundation

by Bette Alburger of The Garrett-Williamson Foundation,
Newtown Square, PA

Chris Arader is a corporator supporting the needs and goals of the Garrett-Williamson Foundation.

The scenic beauty of the 240-acre Garrett-Williamson Foundation property in Newtown Township is well known to people who visit the site -- as well as to those who drive by the stretch of land fronting Bishop Hollow Road. A true township treasure, the rural property is one of the largest open spaces remaining in Delaware County.

Known to many people also are the programs operating on the grounds that benefit the immediate and wider communities. There's a year-round childcare center called Garrett's Way, which celebrated its 20th anniversary, January 3. There's also the Camp Garrett summer program, as well as 4-H educational youth program. The Foundation provides financial aid to the camp and daycare programs and does not charge rent to 4-H for the use of its facilities.

Also perhaps known by now is the mission of the non-profit Garrett-Williamson Foundation: to be a charitable presence in the community, as specified by Elizabeth Williamson Garrett, who bequeathed the land in her 1910 will. She was the daughter of a descendent of Daniel Williamson, one of the township's most important early settlers.

However, noted James Short, Garrett-Foundation executive director since 2002, it's doubtful that people know what the Foundation is all about. Nor, as Short pointed out, are they aware that the Foundation is adamant that the land will never be sold off in pieces or as a whole.

And just what is the Garrett-Williamson Foundation?

It's an organization of dedicated men and women who are generous with their time, talent and expertise in overseeing the many aspects of running the rural property. All are volunteers, working without financial gain or glory to see that the wishes of benefactor Elizabeth Williamson Garrett continue to be fulfilled in a cost-efficient way.

Currently, the Foundation consists of 22 corporators, although there are openings for three additonal members. Nine of the incorporators serve on the Board of Managers. With few exceptions, the board meets on the third Monday of every month.

Paul Crossan of West Chester is the current chairman. He succeeded longtime Newtown resident Frank C. Videon Sr., who served 35 years as board chairman and is now Foundation chairman emeritus. The Frank C. Videon Sr. Education Center, an eight-classroom building used by the childcare center, stands as a testimony to Videon's years of commitment to the foundation and its vital work.

Members of the Board of Managers are the Foundation's decision-makers. Corporators are invited to attend the board's monthly meetings, but they have no voting power. However, it is the corporators who elect the board, which is always limited to nine individuals. Members are elected annually to a one-year term, with no term limits. They do not have to reside in Newtown Township, but all non-resident board members have ties to the Newtown community.

In addition to electing members to the Board of Managers, corporators also serve on one or more of the Foundation's 10 committees, ranging from finance and insureance to property and program.

the establishment of corporators dates to February 1, 1912 in Philadelphia, when the corporation's charter and bylaws were created. The original name of the corporation was the Garrett-Williamson Lodge, referring to the "centerpiece" of the site. Construction of the stately building began in 1916 and was completed in 1920. Originally, the lodge served as dormitory for disadvantaged single women and their children who came to spend some of their summer on the farm property, as provided for in Elizabeth williamson Garrett's will. Today, the building house admisinstrative offices and classrooms.

The Garrett-Williamson Lodge name was changed to the Garrett-Williamson Foundation by a resolution passed by the corporation on December 14, 1970 and by the Pennsylvania Charitable Instruments Act of 1971.

The 22 corporators are active not only with the Foundation, but also where they live. Their community service ranges from holding office in Rotary and Optimist clubs and in business and professional associations, to coaching local sports teams, having leadership roles in their churches or professional organizations and volunteering with Scout or other yourth groups. Their involvement has brought them not only satisfaction from making a difference in their community but also recognition from their peers.

One of the corporators is Chris Arader of Newtown Square -- owner of Arader Tree Service.

Through the efforts of the corporators/Board of Manageers of the Garrett-Williamson Foundation, the wishes of Elizabeth Williamson Garrett continue to be carried out, almost a century after her death.

People who wish to help the Foundation in meeting its mission have an opportunity to contribute to its Annual Giving Campaign. Giving levels are Patron (a donation in any amount up to $240), Green club (4250 to $499). Gold Club ($500 to $999) and Fellow ($1,000 or more). Patron, Green and Gold Club are for donations made during a calendar year. Status as a Fellow may be accomplished within three calendar years and the names of Fellows are inscribed on a permanent plaque in the Lodge. All donations are tax-deductible and all amounts are applied to programs benefiting children.

Another way to aid the Foundation is to support its Building Blocks Campaign to provide a new 40-by-60-foot outdoor pavilion on the property and a walkway leading to it. Offered for purchase are "donor bricks" that will be used in constructing the walkway. Each brick can be inscribed in memory or in honor of a loved one. Bricks are only $100 each.

For more information on donor opportunities, as well as corporator opporutunities, call 610-353-7690.

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