Dear Friends,
This update is actually an update about our recent annual appeal, but in midst of icy winter, we’re going to start with butterflies. I’ve always loved butterflies, and especially their non-linear way of flying: totally mesmerizing. I’d always heard that the butterfly method of flight was mechanically inefficient. To me, their do-it-our-way method offered a rather refreshing antidote to our culture’s obsession with efficiency and productivity. Recently, however, some research on the Silver-washed Fritillary butterfly by Sweden’s Lund University has refined our understanding. It turns out that the “clap” at the top of a butterfly’s wingstroke captures a pocket of air that in turn generates tremendous forward thrust. Far from being inefficient flyers, butterflies are wonderfully crafted for flight.
Speaking of marvels, I looked in awe at our financial report this month. Turns out Boxerwood’s end-of-year appeal for operational support exceeded our expectations. Thank you to the 120 donors whose total gifts of over $35,000 surpassed our goal of 80 donors and $20,000. In addition, Boxerwood received a substantial anonymous gift that is going to help us meet some key goals this year.
We have all endured a year of hardship due to the pandemic and its challenges are not over. Yet these hardships have unleashed tremendous generosity in our local communities. For all of us who work and volunteer at Boxerwood, we are filled with awe and gratitude for your sustained and sustaining support.
What does all this have to do with the fritillaries? The way we see it, each Boxerwood donor also provides a clap of the wings: an incredible forward thrust to help propel our work on behalf of a thriving planet. Together we create a beautiful flight that is not simply efficient, but powerful. Thank you for helping us fly.
With gratitude,
Catrien van Assendelft
Executive Director
