The Ponce De Leon Inlet Light Station is considered one of the best-preserved and most authentic historic lighthouse facilities in the country. But this was not always the case. In 1970, the light station stood abandoned, badly neglected, and under threat of demolition. In 1972, a group of concerned local residents stepped forward to form the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preservation and dissemination of the maritime and social history of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. The Association assumed full-responsibility for the light station and spent the next 48 years restoring it to its former glory. Thanks to the Association's efforts, the Ponce De Leon Inlet Light Station was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998.
As state assistance declines and the cost of restoration and maintenance rises, the importance of ongoing financial support from the private sector could not be greater. Only through the generosity of its members, corporate sponsors, and museum visitors can the Association continue its ongoing effort to preserve and interpret this National Historic Landmark.
Donating to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Endowment Fund is an excellent way to support the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. The Lighthouse Endowment Fund protects the Light Station by providing financial security for long-term preservation, operations, and museum growth. What sets the Endowment Fund apart from other lighthouse donor categories is the fact that all Endowment Fund capital is held in perpetuity. This means the principal balance of the fund will only grow over time. Excellent Endowment Fund donor options include cash, stocks, mutual funds and even real estate. Please contact Preservation Association Executive Director Ed Gunn by phone at (386) 761-1821 ext. 15 or by email at edgunn@ponceinlet.org for more information about the Lighthouse Endowment Fund. Additional information regarding Endowment Fund Donations can also be found on our main website at www.ponceinlet.org
We appreciate the encouragement your donation represents. It has been the Preservation Association's practice to provide corporations or private individuals contributing $1000 or more with a complimentary one-year Corporate or Principal Keeper Membership (value $500) in appreciation of their substantial donation along with recognition of their generosity in the Association's quarterly newsletter. Corporations and individuals wishing to remain anonymous should notify museum administrative staff by phone at (386) 761-1821 ext. 10, or via email at lighthouse@ponceinlet.org as soon as possible to allow the Association adequate time to honor the donor's request. You may also communicate your desire to remain anonymous in the customer notes field during the online check out process. Thank you for your support. A copy of the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc.'s IRS Non-Profit Determination Letter will be automatically sent to you via email after completing your transaction for tax-deduction documentation purposes. A charitable contribution thank you letter acknowledging your generous gift will also be mailed to your shipping address of choice.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CUSTOMER SERVICES CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION NUMBER AND DISCLAIMER
REGISTRATION # CH137: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
