A combined donation of more than $200,000 will be put towards preserving and restoring of one of Windsor’s most historic buildings, Willistead Manor.
On Sunday, a reception was held at the landmark mansion with guests such as Mayor Drew Dilkens and other representatives from the city, as well as Willistead Manor, Inc., the Friends of Willistead, Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), and others.
It was the first time the event could be held in-person since the start of the pandemic.
“The Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors is excited by the incredible community engagement with Willistead Manor from donors, supporters and manor guests, particularly over the last few years,” said Douglas Sanborn, who serves as chair of the board. “It is an exciting time to be working to preserve and share the story of Willistead Manor in the City of Windsor.”
A number of sizable donations were presented at the afternoon reception.
Mayor Dilkens offered up $15,000 that was raised at last year’s fundraiser “Roaring 20s at the Manor,” the same event where the Hiram Walker Commemorative Statue and Coach House Historical Exhibition made their debuts.
A cheque for $85,737.57 was contributed by the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918). These funds came from the 42nd Annual Art in the Park Festival last summer, which broke annual attendance records. Proceeds from the festival go toward various charitable projects including the restoration of Willistead Manor.
Finally, Charleigh Charitable Trust announced a donation of $100,000 over four years from Leigh and Charles Merinoff on behalf of the Walker Family descendants. Hiram Walker’s great-great-granddaughter Pamela Morse and her husband Tony were there to present the cheque.
“We are thrilled with these recent generous contributions from the City’s fundraiser last summer, from Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) and Art in the Park, and from the Charleigh Charitable Trust and Walker Family descendants,” Mayor Dilkens said. “With this ongoing support, we are able to keep the manor house, the surrounding buildings, and the park site vibrant, thriving and brimming with heritage, culture and art all year long.”