John Denver

The foundation was incorporated on October 30, 2002, Entity No. 3102733 and received its Non-profit 509(a)(1) Classification in March, 2003. The foundation is registerd with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations (No. 29129) and is a member of the Berks County Chamber of Commerce, the Berks Arts Council and the Windstar Foundation.

For information on the Foundation’s officers and the IRS Advance Ruling Period for its tax-exempt status, click here.

Mission Statement

To educate people on and continue to support those issues John Denver found significant during his lifetime of achievement—namely, the environment; the eradication of hunger; ways to accomplish world peace; and the education, inspiration, and care of children. In these ways John served the world when alive and we desire to continue the good work begun by him.

To share the music of John Denver and his vision of making the world a better place for all to live through inspiring individual involvement in the solving of local, national, and international problems in whatever way he/she feels empowered; of revitalizing the concept of the brotherhood of man; of educating ourselves on what needs to be done to create a sustainable future on the planet; of having faith in something beyond our individual stories.

To promote the joy and fun of live musical performance through those performing John Denver’s music specifically as well as through those many friends and associates of John’s who will play in benefit of his ideals.

Judith Gabriel: President/CEO
Jeffrey Whitmoryer: Treasurer
Janet Cole: Secretary/Historian
Dave Kline: Honorary Director
David Carlino: Honorary Director
Susan Smith-Rife, Esq.: Solicitor

TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS CAN NOW BE ACCEPTED

Welcome to the John Denver Memorial Foundation, Inc. website. We finished our first formal year as a foundation in March, have much growing to do, but have accomplished much in this short time.

We presented the Music Extravanganza last September—the same day that hurricane Isabel flew through town. although attendance was small, we all had a great time listening and singing along with Mack Bailey and the Travis Wetzel Trio.

We raised $1,000 with our raffle to give as a scholarship to a Berks County senior majoring in environmental science or another earth related science. Scholarship essays are due April 1st, and if no one qualifies this year, the money will be earmarked for the scholarship fund for next year.

Mark you calendars for September 17th for our annual fundraising dinner at The Inn at Reading. Travis Wetzel will be returning with his dynamic bluegrass. Tim and Amy Dabbs and Mack Bailey are being considered to sing and play the music of John Denver for your enjoyment. No square dancing this year, but room to shake a booty if you so desire. Patron $50.00, Friend $75.00 and Individual Sponsor $100.00. Remember this is a fundraising dinner for our bigger goal.

Our goal is to have a weekend concert every year with a “Big Name” artist one night and then a folk concert the next day with environmental speakers, wildlife, etc. We cannot do this until we raise the funds to produce the first concert.

This is where we need you!   We are looking for an army of volunteers and committee people to help us raise the money for this first big event. After we have that event, we will be well on our way to becoming toally self-sufficient. We then want to give money back to the community and then the state in terms of environmental projects, farmland and wilderness preservation, education and other humnanitarian projects to be voted on yearly by the board. Please join us. Committee folk and volunteers would only have to attend one meeting per year and the more volunteers we have, the less work there will be for each individual.

What a great thing to do to remember all the work that John did in the world and to enjoy ourselves in the process with great live music.

Do you want to make a difference in the world? Do you have a little free time to devote to somehting that can add value to your world? Call 610-371-9122 and find out how you can help.

Return often to this page for news on this year’s Second Music Extravaganza taking place this September 17th at the Inn at Reading, as well as other outdoor events we have in the works!

Also coming soon, order beautiful cards (suitable for framing) and make donations through a secure server right on this website.

Call 610-371-9122 or email judithgabriel@comcast.net if interested in joining us.

Go to www.judithgabriel.com/jd/about2003.htm to read about last year’s concert.

The John Denver Memorial Foundation is dedicated to educating people on and continuing to support the environment; the eradication of hunger; ways to accomplish world peace; and the education, inspiration, and care of children.