General Appeal 2020

Our world has changed in the last year, and there is one issue that cannot be overshadowed. It affects all of us equally, regardless of wealth, ethnic background, or political party. An issue that unites us is climate change. This year, our nation has experienced devastating wildfires, hurricanes, and drought; indeed, 2020 was the hottest summer on record in Connecticut. You may have seen headlines like this:

Climate Chaos: Extreme heat, wildfires and record-setting storms suggest a frightening future is already here. (CBS News, August 24, 2020)

This is an alarming headline, but when you look around, you can see that the Avalonia Land Conservancy is on the front line of buffering that change in southeastern Connecticut. Like the last 50+ years, we will be here for you, even during the toughest of times. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve provided quiet places to escape for those seeking relief from quarantine. Our wetlands are not red or blue, but they provide a line of natural defense to rising tides and storms. Our trails don’t know race or gender as we are seeing more visitors than ever. As our society recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the beauty of Avalonia is that we offer an equal opportunity for all.

Avalonia takes its responsibility to you seriously and our commitment is unwavering. We anticipate expanding our holdings by over 400 acres in 2020. Our preserves continue to be stewarded by committees who have met by Zoom every month to keep our obligations to our members and our preserves. Our conservation wheels keep turning and the lights are on!

BUT – We can’t do this without the generous support of donors and members like you. As a supporter and/or neighbor of Avalonia, you know this and understand the role we play in conserving your area’s most environmentally significant lands. Our supporters are a critical part of our success and have helped move this important mission forward. To the many who have given in the past, thank you. This year, please consider a gift of $100, $500, or even $1,000, to the Avalonia Land Conservancy. Your support is more important than ever. Please be as generous as you can.

The CARES Act, which passed in March, allows for increased deductions for charitable giving. For people who do not itemize their deductions, you can now deduct donations of up to $300, in addition to your automatic deduction. For people who do itemize, large cash gifts will be deductible to the extent of 100% of your adjusted gross income, up from 60% in 2019. These deductions will only be available in 2020 and are set to expire at the end of the year.

Here are several actions you can take to support Avalonia:

• Visit our donation page to make your gift. Consider signing up for a monthly or quarterly donation or make a multiyear pledge.
• Consider a legacy gift by naming Avalonia as a beneficiary of your estate or appreciated assets. Are you over 70½? Make a distribution gift from your IRA.
• Match your gift through a participating employer or an association.
• Do you bank with Charter Oak Federal Credit Union? If so, they’ll match your donation up to $500 through November 27. Go to their website to learn more.

While the headlines today are sometimes hard to see, Avalonia continues to be the champion of our environment for a diverse world. Your gift will benefit Mother Nature and the inclusive spirit of our community.

Sincerely,
Terri Eickel
Director of Development and Programs,
Avalonia Land Conservancy

P.S. Can you imagine a place without Avalonia? Please be as generous as you can and donate today. Thank you!