The generosity of donors is funding more than $2 million in preservation efforts at Meadow Brook Estate, helping to ensure this national historical landmark remains an educational and cultural cornerstone in our community.
Encouraged by Oakland University’s commitment to Meadow Brook Estate, the Matilda R. Wilson Fund awarded a $1 million matching grant to support long-term preservation of the buildings, collections and grounds.
Funds will be directed at preservation, preventative maintenance and restoration of Meadow Brook Hall and its adjacent structures, and collections conservation. The grant will also support operational challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Longtime friends of Meadow Brook Estate, Donna and Jon Block are also helping to transform preservation efforts at Meadow Brook. They volunteered for 25 years with the Concours d’Elegance of America, a world-class car show that originated at Meadow Brook Hall. Now, they are making a personal commitment to preserving Meadow Brook Hall by establishing the Donna Marie A. F. Block and Jon W. Block Endowment. This fund supports the preservation of furnishings, artifacts and the automotive collection. A gift committed through their estate will ensure this important work continues in perpetuity.
For the Blocks, Meadow Brook Estate is a beloved and vital part of the community and they are committed to preserving its presence. They loved Meadow Brook Hall the first time they saw it, they explain. “Meadow Brook Hall is simply magnificent inside and out, and we want to help preserve it for generations to come,” Block says.
Geoff Upward, executive director of the Meadow Brook Estate, is grateful for the generosity of the Matilda R. Wilson Fund and Donna and Jon Block for their partnership in preserving Meadow Brook Estate and ensuring its everlasting legacy. “The generous commitment of the Matilda R. Wilson Fund and Donna and Jon Block to Meadow Brook Estate is inspiring,” he says. “Their steadfast support in preserving the estate’s incredible historical, architectural, art and intellectual treasures will benefit our entire community for many, many years to come.”
Meadow Brook Estate is a self-supporting auxiliary enterprise of Oakland University. Learn more about how you can help support this important community asset at meadowbrookhall.org/give.
March 12, 2021
