Dear Friends,
As we approach our fundraising goal, The Commons Foundation (TCF) is transitioning to meet the new challenges ahead.
TCF Board Changes
After three years on the TCF Board, Terry Berkemeier is stepping down with the knowledge that TCF will meet its goal and a new library will be built at The Commons. With his wife Lori Lerner, they have displayed enormous generosity, and given counsel and friendship that has been invaluable over the last few years. Very rarely do you meet a couple that does so much, for so many, so intelligently and with so much joy. My deepest thanks to Terry for serving on our board and for agreeing with Lori to continue as an advisor to the board.
I am very pleased to announce that Ann Morrison and Brock Wagstaff have joined the board.
Ann Morrison is a Marin native and the former city councilmember and mayor who played a central role in the formation in 2018 of the Larkspur Library and Community Center Task Force (which became The Commons Foundation); our initial funding of $150,000 from the city in our Seedling Campaign; and the establishment of our Working Group with the city that continues today. She joins the TCF Board focused on city government relations, outreach, and communication.
Brock Wagstaffis a Marin native, a member of the Larkspur Planning Commission, a long-time resident, and an architect based in Larkspur. He is also a former member and president of the Marin Builders Association (1997-2007). Brock brings a deep knowledge of architecture, planning and the construction norms of Larkspur. He deepens our urban planning resources on the board (a job Chris Hartzell has done admirably for several years). He joins the TCF Board focused on city government relations, architecture, and construction.
Why I Love Libraries Art Contest
We are very excited about the art submissions coming in and the affirmation we are getting from the community on why children believe libraries are important. And it’s not too late for submissions! We’re accepting entries through next Tuesday, November 1. Tell your family members, neighbors and friends with school-aged kids!
Find entry details on our website: https://thecommonsatlarkspur.org/artcontest
Community Match
The $60,000 Community Match has raised and matched $42,736 as of 10/18/22. Donors who give $500 or more will be matched dollar for dollar up to our $60,000 total. Our Community Match support comes from The Friends of Larkspur Library, the Larkspur Community Foundation, The Tamalpais, Linda & Bill Tichy, Lori Lerner and Terry Berkemeier, and Creekside Neighbors in Memory of Monica Clark. Many thanks to our Match supporters and Community Match donors.
Fundraising Status
Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, we have raised $4.75M to date. We only have $250,000 left to raise. Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign.
Please give to this transformative community project!
As we approach the end of the year and the end of our capital campaign to raise private funds to build our new library, this is a great time to consider making a generous tax-deductible donation. With your help, the city will build the best new library we can afford.
Every dollar TCF raises before December 31, 2022, will be matched by funds the city has received from a generous state library grant up to $5.2M. We are close, but still need your help to raise the remaining $250K before December 31. Please give as generously as you are able to so that we can build the library our community deserves.
We welcome cash donations (check or PayPal), two-year pledges, donations from Donor Advised Funds (DAFS), and stock transfers. Please contact us if you have questions about making your gift.
Thank you!,
Joe Jennings
President, The Commons Foundation