Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker to be Recognized on Illinois Governor's Mansion Donor Board
CHICAGO, July 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Colonel (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired) and other generous donors will be recognized at the grand opening of the renovated Illinois Governor's Mansion on July 14, 2018. Through the TAWANI Foundation, Pritzker committed $250,000 to the Illinois Governor's Mansion Association, a nonprofit board created to preserve and oversee the public asset's renovation with private funds.
"The Illinois Governor's Mansion is a great cultural destination that contains a historical collection of extraordinary objects, paintings, artifacts and exhibitions on the richness and wonder of the people and land of Illinois," said Pritzker, founder of TAWANI Foundation, the philanthropic arm of TAWANI Enterprises, Inc.
The Illinois mansion is the official residence of the state's governor and was considered one of the grand mansions of Illinois. However, years of neglect and delayed maintenance made the mansion unfit, including splintered wood, peeling paint and structural damage.
In 2015, construction started after Governor Bruce Rauner and his wife, First Lady Diana Rauner, promised the public to fully renovate the mansion without using taxpayers' money. The Rauners formed the Illinois Governor's Mansion Association Board recruiting local influencers, residents and leaders in architecture and design to work together to breathe new life into the Mansion and revamp educational programs to focus on Illinois state's richly layered history and beautiful artwork.
"Historic preservation is at the heart of our nation's most vibrant economic development because it goes hand-in-hand with business development," said Pritzker. "I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of a program that puts politics aside and brings together a people-centered movement to preserve the People's House. We are providing a link to the roots of our history for future generations."
The Illinois Governor's Mansion renovation is a multistep renovation. Structural changes include a new facade and landscaping. Other features include:
- Full ADA accessibility for the first time in history
- Professionally trained docents on-site for guided tours
- Expanded programming
- An all-new visitor center and short orientation video
- Rooms dedicated to historic events, including the Columbian Exposition and past Illinois Governors and families
Art exhibits are also part of the newly-renovated mansion. The inaugural exhibit, Art in Illinois, brings together more than 80 works of art from artists based in the state.
The donor board will be unveiled at the grand opening of the renovated Illinois Governor's Mansion, the same day the newly-renovated Mansion is slated to open to the public for tours. The wall will feature the names of more than 45 other committed donors.
For more information about the Illinois Governor's Mansion renovation, visit http://illinoismansion.org/renovation-updates. For more information about the TAWANI Foundation, which provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBT and human rights, education and environmental initiatives, visit http://www.tawanifoundation.org.
About TAWANI Foundation
Founded in 2002, TAWANI Enterprises' philanthropic organization, the TAWANI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBT and human rights, education and environmental initiatives. The TAWANI Foundation has given more than $102 million through 2017 to provide support in these areas and has pledged another $30 million through 2026. To learn more, visit http://www.tawanifoundation.org.
SOURCE TAWANI Foundation
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