July, 2020
Dear Friends,
First of all – thank you. Thank you to all who responded so generously to our spring appeal. This was my first big fundraiser for RTPI, one that provided a particularly up close and personal introduction to our friends and supporters.
Officially, my title is Chief Executive Officer. Since my arrival in mid-March, however, it’s been more like Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. With the museum closed to the public and all staff – except me – working from home, I’ve been holding down the fort largely on my own.
So, in addition to doing CEO stuff – managing finances, putting into place various policies and procedures, soliciting bids for a strategic planning consultant – I’ve also had a few other responsibilities to meet. Every day, my job included emptying several dehumidifiers in our Peterson Collection archive to keep humidity levels in check.
I also got to open the mail every day – to take care of bills and open responses to our spring appeal.
Wow.
I have been utterly overwhelmed by the number of people who sat down, opened their checkbooks, and wrote us a check – all the more impressive given the uncertainty of our times. I’m even more astonished – flattered and honored – by the number of people who added personal a note.
“Welcome to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Arthur.”
“I am delighted that you are now at the helm of RTPI.”
“Welcome to the area, Mr. Pearson.”
“My late husband was the friend of [Roger Tory] Peterson…”
“I hope you are keeping well in these challenging times…”
“I look forward to meeting you at RTPI this summer…”
Thank you to everyone. Your stories and good wishes – along with your financial support – are much-needed winds to our sails as we prepare to reopen our museum on July 18. All staff are back in the building and we’re putting in overtime to get ready to swing wide our doors and welcome you back – with all necessary health and safety precautions in place, of course.
For those of you who still wish to contribute to our spring campaign, please do so – we are very near our goal, which will help us over the hump of having been closed for the past four months.
As I type this, I’m sitting on the front porch of our museum, listening to the birds, watching the butterflies and dragonflies, enjoying the view of our gardens – and looking forward to seeing you all soon, here at your Roger Tory Peterson Institute.
Signed,
Your Chief Executive,
Cook and Bottle Washer,
Arthur Pearson
