Woodlawn has received a grant from the United States Congress as part of the Save America's Treasures program. An appropriation of $233,000 is now being matched in the local community with private funds. The federal and private gifts will be used to stabilize the exterior of this popular historic site including preservation treatments to wood, masonry, and roofing. "This is the first step in a long term effort to preserve this National Historic Landmark," said Ross Randall, Executive Director.

The award was made due to the perseverance of members of Woodlawn's board, as well as elected officials. "We would like to thank our local elected officials for their leadership and also recognize the support of Congressman Norm Dicks of Washington, the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, on this important designation," said Cynthia Conner, Chair of the Woodlawn Council. "Woodlawn is truly a national treasure and now has seed money to begin to preserve and maintain the structure while providing important educational programs for our community," she added.

The Council has been raising matching funds to make the grant a reality - nearly half of the $233,000 needed has already been pledged by private donors. Randall said, "We encourage everyone and anyone to become involved in this worthwhile undertaking." Preliminary studies place Woodlawn's essential repairs at $1.8 million.

Save America's Treasures is a national effort to protect "America's threatened cultural treasures, including historic structures, collections, works of art, maps and journals that document and illuminate the history and culture of the United States." Chaired by First Lady Laura Bush, the program is public-private partnership with the White House, the National Park Service, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The First Lady recently congratuated Woodlawn on this most impressive accomplishment.