Give Back Group Project Spotlight: Greenock Log House

October 27, 2023

GBU members use Give Back Group program to benefit the Greenock Log House.

GBU member Marilyn Backus of Pitcairn, PA, decided to use two passions–gardening and history–to organize a Give Back Group fundraiser to benefit the Elizabeth Township Historical Society (ETHS).

As a member of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania and local convention chair, Marilyn helped organize the statewide convention held in Pittsburgh in April 2023. The convention drew more than 300 gardeners and conservationists.

Wearing another hat as an ETHS board member, Marilyn saw this event as a unique opportunity to raise funds for the ETHS Greenock Log House restoration project. Marilyn maintains the perennial gardens of the two-story, white oak log home that dates to 1790 and supports events to encourage appreciation of and participation in local history.

Marilyn, along with GBU social members Debbie Popp Gilbert and Linda Bennett, organized a home and garden tour of the historic site. The convention’s publicity, online articles and publications generated interest, and many attendees took a bus tour to the site. There, docents in period costumes shared insights and knowledge about the home’s construction and the sustainable lifestyle of its early inhabitants. House tour visitors donated $633, which GBU matched, doubling the funds raised by Marilyn, Debbie and Linda to a total of $1,266 for ETHS.

These Give Back Group funds will help preserve and restore the 230-year-old building, create dynamic and interpretive historic experiences, develop period perennial gardens and teach sustainable living practices of early settlers.

Give Back Groups

If you are working to raise funds for an organization that impacts your local community, GBU will match the funds your group raises, up to $1,000 per GBU member to a maximum of $5,000 per group. Fundraising can be organized in any way you prefer: in person, through a mail campaign or even via Facebook. The funds matching must be for a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization that impacts your local community. The organization must have a listing on Charity Navigator.

VISIT GBUCARES.ORG/GIVE-BACK-GROUPS TO REQUEST APPROVAL FOR YOUR GIVE BACK GROUP.

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