2013 Giving Guide: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation

2027 S. Stewart, Springfield, MO 65804
(471) 864-3041
www.wilsonscreek.com
Facebook account: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation
Total number of employees (FTE): 2
Annual revenues: $50,000
Executive Director: April McDonough
Director of Finance:  Roseann Blunt
Board President: Craig E. Dunn, Senior Vice President/Regional Commercial Executive, Metropolitan National Bank

Board of Directors: John Gerdes, Board Vice President, retired; Kathleen O'Dell, Board Secretary, Community Relations Director, Springfield-Greene County Library District; Brian Hickman, Board Treasurer, CPA, Partner, BKD LLP; Susan Beine, Republic Ford-Lincoln; James R. Cox, Attorney, James R. Cox Law Office; Tom Fowler, III, Vice President/Loan Officer, State Bank of Southwest Missouri; James Jeffries, Attorney, Lathrop & Gage, LLP; Ken McClure, Vice President for Administrative and Information Services, Missouri State University; Mary Haseltine McQueary, History Museum on the Square volunteer; Jerry Redfearn, Realtor, CJR Commercial Group; Steven Ross, Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator, Springfield, MO, Convention & Visitors Bureau; Mark Whisler, Senior System Architect, American National Property and Casualty Company

---

Mission:
To support Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. To assist in the acquisition of Civil War historical properties and materials related to the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. To work in partnership with the park through activities that includes fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.

Service Area:
WCNB Foundation is the designated support partner for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, a unit of the NPS. Our programs and projects benefit all park guests who come from southwest Missouri, other parts of the state, and across the nation.

Funding:
The Foundation is funded through yearly memberships in our organization and with the assistance of sponsors who provide additional donations through our Foundation Sponsor program. Funds for special projects are secured through grants, special events, and direct solicitation.

12-month Goals:
This year the Foundation hopes to complete arrangements to protect two pieces of property adjacent to the battlefield. The purchase of 60 acres on the southeast corner of the battlefield will preserve the site of Sigel’s first position on the morning of the August 10, 1861, battle. The second transaction is an conservation easement that will protect 10 acres behind the Ray House, the only Civil War era structure on the battlefield. The Foundation is also studying the idea of a summer history camp for elementary age students that would provide a week long in-depth look at not only the history of the battlefield, but also natural and environmental issues. In October the Foundation will sponsor a 8K run to promote park attendance and encourage visitation. With increasing NPS budget shortfalls and cutbacks, the Foundation will continue to provide resources that support educational programs, enhance the visitor's experience, and advocate for more government assistance.

Annual Events:
Events sponsored and supported by the Foundation include a Spring Fling fundraising dinner, Arts in the Park music jamboree at the Ray House, annual membership dinner and Battle of Wilson's Creek commemoration in August, Bloody Hill Run in October, and a staff appreciation lunch for Battlefield employees.

How People and Businesses Can Help:
By becoming Foundation members or sponsors, making a Wilson's Creek license plate donation, supporting our events, and visiting the Battlefield to learn about its history.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Community members can support the Battlefield by visiting the park with their families, assisting with Foundation events, or becoming NPS volunteers.

Testimonial
"People don't realize that the battlefield wouldn't be here without the work of the Wilson’s Creek Foundation. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t call on them for assistance. Whether it is supporting land preservation issues, purchasing new material for the John K. Hulston Research Library, or helping to fund educational programs at the park, the Foundation always steps in to help. They make my job as Superintendent so much easier. It is great to be involved with a group that provides so much community support for what has always been...their park."
T. John Hillmer, Superintendent, WC