Leland-Deer Creek Garden Club announces capital campaign

The Leland-Deer Creek Garden Club has announced a capital campaign to raise funds for refurbishments to the historic Garden Club house. The house, located on Deer Creek Drive NW, is used for club meetings and also rented to the public for events. Money from the rentals is used to support building maintenance, as well as the many local community projects that benefit Leland.

“As with any historic structure, it’s important to stay on top of the maintenance before it gets too far gone,” said Garden Club President Patti Livingston. “Funds from this capital campaign will replace windows, refinish the wood floors and improve exterior lighting, among other things. We have been entrusted with this wonderful asset, and it’s a responsibility we take seriously.”

The Leland Garden Club was organized in 1923, followed by the organization of the Deer Creek Garden Club in 1950. The two clubs merged in 1991 and currently have ninety-three members, making it one of the largest clubs in the state.

In 1932, after nearly a decade of meeting in club members’ homes and under backyard shade trees, a building committee was formed to begin plans for the club house construction. The lot was donated, and the ladies had to raise $8,000 for the building. Several fundraising efforts were held, including sponsoring sales at Burke’s Store and movies at the Temple Theater, in which they were given proceeds from sales. Bridge, Rook and Mahjong tournaments were held with a 35-cent entry fee, and the ladies also sold suppers and plants. Their efforts paid off when the foundation for the club house was laid in late February 1935.

“The ladies who preceded us established a legacy of leadership by example. We have never been a club that just meets and goes home. We are actively involved in community beautification, education and coordination,” says Livingston. “Our predecessors were doers, and we still are today. We owe it to the legacy of our founders and to future generations to continue supporting Leland. This capital campaign will help us do just that.”

Immediate capital improvement needs include five exterior windows at $1,045 each, three exterior trash/cigarette cans for events for $635, refinishing of the hardwood floors at $4,120, exterior porch lighting for $600, and four Levelor blinds for $600.

Those who wish to donate may give at their level of choice:

• Level One: $125 (includes one May luncheon ticket)
• Level Two: $250 (includes one May luncheon ticket and one Garden Club event ticket)
• Level Three: $375 (includes one May luncheon ticket and two Garden Club event tickets)
• Level Four: $500 (includes one May luncheon ticket and three Garden Club event tickets)
• Level Five: > $500 (includes two May luncheon tickets and four Garden Club event tickets)

Recent annual events have included flower shows, garden tours and community-wide Lunch-and-Learn events.

Gifts of $5,000 or more will have permanent recognition placed in the club house. All levels will be recognized at the May luncheon and in the yearbook. Checks may be given directly to any Leland-Deer Creek Garden Club member or can be mailed to: Leland-Deer Creek Garden Club, Attn: Treasurer, 507 Deer Creek Drive NW, Leland, MS 38756.

For more information on this campaign, contact club treasurer Gwin Cumbaa at 662-378-6286.