This week, the Board of Director’s of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation was saddened to learn of the passing of Doris Buffett whose generosity has provided a firm foundation for our organization’s activities.  As the last century ended and this one began, Fredericksburg was delighted to have Ms. Buffett return here, a place where she had fond memories from her childhood.

Through her personal fortune and that of her brother, financier Warren Buffett, she had set up the “Sunshine Lady” foundation to distribute contributions to worthy causes not only here but in other communities she loved.  HFFI benefited from a particular gift of one of our City’s historic homes where she lived.  As she moved to another site, we were given the property at 303 Amelia which, upon its sale, produced funds which created out basic and continuing endowment. 

“Our endowment gives us a great deal of flexibility for our programming,” said David James, President of HFFI.  “The Board discusses this at most of its monthly meetings as we continue to quietly thank the Buffett family.” 

“I have never worked at a non-profit that had this explicit funding before as a supporting endowment.  HFFI is very lucky,” stated Sandra Erickson, HFFI’s Director of Operations. 

We acknowledge this on a plaque in our headquarters site, the Lewis Store.  All non-profits need funding and we have annual fund raising efforts, but because of Ms. Buffett’s gift, we have a padding that means we are not constantly going around with open hands asking for money and also have a bit of insulation to help us weather economic upheavals such as the one that began in 2008.  The Board wants to publicly confirm their appreciation for this funding and to strive to continue to carry out the mission of HFFI. 

In addition to recognizing these contributions, of course, the Board extends its sympathy to Ms. Buffett’s family, many of whom had visited her in Fredericksburg during the years she lived here.  

Thank you, Doris Buffett.