Preserving California's History and Lifelong Memories
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2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT Preserving California’s History AND LIFELONG MEMORIES TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2009-2010 in Review 9 The Organization - A Team with a Purpose 2 Mission Preservation Foundation 10 Our Volunteers - People with Passion 2-3 2009-2010 Lasting Accomplishments 11 Landmarks Club Members 4 Community Events Hosted in 2009-2010 11 Preserving California’s History 5 Traveling Exhibits 12-13 Financials 6-7 Educational Programming Accomplishments 14-20 Programs and Giving Opportunities in 2009-2010 8 Education Programs and Partners 21-38 2009-2010 Preservation Society Membership 8 Adopt-A-Class Program Supporters 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Mission San Juan Capistrano receives no sustaining support (949) 234-1300 www.missionsjc.com from any governmental agency or religious organization. A non-profit organization under IRS 501 (c) (3) Mission Preservation Foundation IRS 501 (c) (3) Interior Photo Credits: Val Westover Photography Tax ID #33-0833283 Diocesan IRS 501 (c) (3). ID #95-1904079 Joe Broccardo Photography 2009-2010 MAKING HISTORY AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Over the last twelve months Mission San Juan Capistrano We welcome all who come in peace to return time and time continued to provide meaningful learning opportunities, again to rediscover California history here, at Orange County’s community and cultural events, one-of-a-kind experiences, birthplace and only mission. Thank you for your support and served as a historic landmark welcoming people from all during this past fiscal year. over the world. Sincerely, As a center for student education in social studies, over 52,000 George O’Connell, President students received a special day of hands on learning and left The Mission Preservation Foundation with a new appreciation of history. As a place of inspiration, many sought refuge in this place of peace for quiet reflection. As a place of preservation, more accomplishments in the field of preservation resulted in the extended livelihood of this incredible landmark. 1 OUR MISSION PRESERVATION FOUNDATION: PEOPLE MAKING HISTORY George O’Connell, President Anthony R. Moiso Wylie A. Aitken, Esq. Michael J. Puntoriero Peter F. Bastone Connie Spenuzza Arthur B. Birtcher Gretchen Stroscher Thomson William Cvengros Madeline Swinden Michael Hagan E.J. Tracy Lula Halfacre ~ Reverend Monsignor Arthur A. Holquin, Mechelle Lawrence-Adams Rector/ Pastor Mission Basilica Executive Director, San Juan Capistrano Mission San Juan Capistrano Past Board Members: R.J. Brandes Robert McDonough Tony Forster Russell S. Penniman IV Anne Marie Moiso Leonard Myron Sukut LASTING ACHIEVEMENTS AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO The Mission continued to make new history in 2009-2010 and the - In the fall of 2009 this landmark expanded its role as a living history following are highlights of some of the many things to celebrate. museum and introduced its first traveling exhibit, “Gold Fever,” in - Preservation continued to flourish with work on the West cooperation with the California Exhibit Resource Alliance (CERA). Wing completed in time to host the first ever traveling exhibit, Students enjoyed panning for gold, and seeing real life Gold Rush “Gold Fever,” under acceptable American Museum Association era artifacts up close. Following the Gold Fever exhibit’s closure, standards. the Mission team curated a second traveling exhibit with an array of outstanding items provided on loan by Zorro Productions, Inc. - During the past year, founding Mission Preservation Foundation President Tony Moiso stepped aside after serving on the Board - In 2009-2010 record level funds were raised for the Adopt-A-Class for over 12 years. While he will remain active on the Foundation low income student scholarship program due to the generosity of Board, he handed the reigns over to long time Mission supporter, major supporters and friends who appreciate the value of learning George O’Connell. The Board was also expanded to include an about history in this one-of-a-kind setting. With that support, additional highly anticipated new board member, Mr. Michael over 3,383 Adopt-A-Class students were able to visit the Mission Puntoriero of San Juan Capistrano. who otherwise might not have been able to do so. The cards and letters sent by the participating “adopted” students generated - The Romance of the Mission 2009 Gala Committee hosted a great excitement and served as motivation for the staff and the memorable evening featuring Benise raising over $450,000 in gross Foundation to continue to raise funds for the purpose of student revenue. Net funds were designated to support the Mission’s scholarships. museum and preservation efforts. 2 Anthony R. Moiso Michael J. Puntoriero Connie Spenuzza Gretchen Stroscher Thomson Madeline Swinden E.J. Tracy ~ Mechelle Lawrence-Adams Executive Director, Mission San Juan Capistrano Robert McDonough Russell S. Penniman IV (Continued) LASTING ACHIEVEMENTS AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Myron Sukut - The Landmarks Club was established as the Mission’s official by Father William Krekelberg, was generously underwritten planned giving program. By year end over 30 households had and made publicly available as a means of raising much needed joined as founding members, committing estate gifts as part of preservation funds. To date, the Mission Book continues to be a their legacy. The original Landmarks Club of the early 1900’s had a top seller and a tool for supporting the Mission’s preservation with historic role in raising funds for the preservation of the Great Stone 1,112 books sold. Church, which still stands today as a result of their efforts. - The Mission’s Education Program was expanded to provide - Membership in the Mission Preservation Society grew by 39% with two new “student and parent friendly” resource books featuring funding generated directly supporting much needed preservation information on all of the California missions. Resource books sales work throughout the grounds. were unexpectedly brisk and caused the temporary shutdown of - The existing five language audio tour “Voices of the Past” the Mission’s official website. $8,635 was generated through the program was expanded to six languages and now includes an sale of our resource books. Italian version. - Free Teacher Admission Day was introduced, along with weekend - A new website was introduced and has increased website traffic panning for gold, and Curiosity Cart “make and take” items free to by 275% with over 23 million annual visits. Social media strategies visitors. successfully raised awareness of the Mission and especially These are just a few of the exciting accomplishments of the 2009-2010 generated more support from teachers and parents taking a tour. fiscal year. We look forward to making more history throughout The Mission shared its progress in marketing with the local business this coming 2010-2011 year with the keen awareness that Mission community in two downtown merchant outreach breakfasts. At San Juan Capistrano continues to serve as home to many, including these meetings staff reviewed attendance trends and identified the weary traveler, the faith-filled, the lifelong Californian, the partnership and marketing opportunities. student, the romantic, and generations of all ages. - The essential Mission San Juan Capistrano history book, written Thank you for your support in making all of this possible. 3 EVENTS THAT CREATE LIFE LONG MEMORIES Home TO EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES that Create Lifelong Memories The Mission proudly hosted a busy 2009-2010 calendar of Mission” activities such as the adult audio tour, student audio events providing many opportunities for the public to enjoy tour, Curiosity Carts, Garden Tours, Native American basket wholesome and meaningful experiences right here in San Juan weaving demonstrations, private guided tours, Welcome Video, Capistrano with friends and family. From the world famous Plein-Air Art Reproductions Exhibition from the collection of “Annual Return of the Swallows”, Mariachi Festival, summer Mrs. Joan Irvine Smith and the Irvine Museum in the Soldiers Music Under The Stars concert series, annual Romance of Barracks Gallery and more. In 2009-2010 the entire site was best the Mission benefit gala to Christmas at the Mission, there is defined in one word - “experience”. something to do every month at Orange County’s only mission. People of all backgrounds, generations, and faith traditions In 2009-2010, over 330,000 experienced the Mission in one of enjoyed the opportunity to experience culture and celebration these unique ways, and each left with a lifelong memory to in an unparalleled setting. cherish. In addition to the signature events, Mission San Juan Capistrano continued to expand its offering of unique “always at the 4 HOST TO TRAVELING EXHIBITS In the fall of 2009, the Mission expanded its identity from historic backdrop of a black and white old style silent film playing in the landmark to historic landmark and museum, marking the background. The Mission’s summer crowds enjoyed learning opportunity for visitors to enjoy traveling exhibits in addition about the famed Zorro character and his origins. Over 39,000 to the historic landmark. Audiences of all ages related well visited the exhibit from late May to early September. to the storytelling provided by the exhibits. This new feature generated greater appreciation and attendance. These two exhibits together paved the way for continuing the traveling exhibit program as part of the Mission’s effort to The first traveling exhibit, “Gold