A Luncheon with the First Ladies

Bipartisan Fundraiser Supports Missouri Governor's Mansion

JEFFERSON CITY - First Lady Melanie Blunt today announced that she is hosting a luncheon on June 25 to honor the Missouri First Ladies from the past 40 years and to focus on the Mansion's restoration. A Luncheon with the First Ladies will be the kickoff event for Missouri Mansion Preservation, Inc.'s (MMPI) Capital Campaign to raise funds for the interior restoration needs of the Mansion.

"The response I received from the First Ladies was amazing and enthusiastic. As I reached out to ask them to take part in this historic event, without exception, our First Ladies were eager to help support the Mansion," Mrs. Blunt said. "It will be the first time Missouri's First Ladies are collaborating to support a common cause. In fact, the Luncheon with the First Ladies will be the first time ever this group has come together." Former First Ladies Betty Hearnes and Lori Holden joined Mrs. Blunt at the News Conference in support of MMPI's nonpartisan fundraising efforts.

First Ladies Betty Hearnes, Carolyn Bond, Theresa Teasdale, Jean Carnahan, Pat Wilson, and Lori Holden will join Mrs. Blunt for the luncheon. Janet Ashcroft will not be able to attend because she will be traveling with her husband while he lectures overseas.

Mrs. Blunt worked to secure the funding recently approved by members of the General Assembly. Last week, the Governor signed a supplemental appropriation bill to provide $3 million to begin much-needed structural repairs at the Mansion. To complement the state funding and address additional restoration needs, MMPI is raising funds for the interior work that also is long overdue.

"In many rooms, the carpet, window treatments, and upholstery that are more than 20 years old are fraying and literally falling apart," Mrs. Blunt explained. "It truly has been a privilege to live in this historic home and I cherish the many memories I have of living here. The Mansion belongs to all Missourians and deserves to be preserved for future generations."

MMPI is a statewide, nonpartisan 501c3 organization that oversees the restoration and educational programs at the 1871 Governor's Mansion, which has been the home of 33 Missouri First Families. Their $3 million goal in private donations will be the largest Capital Campaign in the Mansion's history. Today MMPI announced the lead gift from Don and Mary Pillsbury Wainwright of $100,000 to support an endowment for the Mansion's musical treasures. Early supporters of A Luncheon with the First Ladies also include a $30,000 donation from Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. and a $10,000 contribution from Kenneth and Nancy Kranzberg. Visit www.missourimansion.org or call 1-877-526-8123 for more information about A Luncheon with the First Ladies.

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