From the President:
As we close out 2024, there are many projects and programs that the Board is thankful for this year. We saw progress on tourism concerns, with the new ordinance to reduce the noise volume from tour trolleys that overwhelm many of our streets and squares. The Board is continuing to meet with the city to discuss additional changes in tourism that will improve our quality of life in 2025.
We saw an increase in membership that further supports our organization as a voice across city government and the business community. Our large, active membership ensures that we have the ear of the city when we discuss our issues or needs. We hope to continue to increase our membership in 2025 and beyond.
Through our Community Grant Program, we distributed $50,000 to local non-profits. This money was raised through the 2023 Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns. This program is so well appreciated by so many members that when we cancelled the 2024 Holiday Tour, several members took it upon themselves to find spectacular homes for the event this year. This enthusiasm caused the past Tour Director, Joyce McDonald, to “unretire” and once again organize the tour for its 49th year. This allows the DNA to provide needed grant funding to local non-profits once again in 2025.
It has been a really good 2024!
We are also thankful for our sponsors and those organizations that provided donations to the DNA. These contributions allow us to give away 100% of the profits from the Holiday Tour, without which we would be underfunded. However, membership dues do not provide sufficient funds to cover costs throughout the year. We are always looking for donations and sponsors to support our community outreach and events. So please, if you know of any groups, individuals, or organizations looking to support a worthy nonprofit that is focused on our beautiful city, send them our way.
On another note, this Saturday is the Holiday Tour of Homes. Thanks to all of you who have signed up to support this effort and to the Tour Committee for providing their time and energy to make this a success. A huge round of applause to Lillian Breitbart, Rhonda Pulte, and Michael Stengstack. By the way, we are still looking for docents to support the tour. If you are interested or have questions, reach out to the committee at holidaytour@savannahdna.org.
David McDonald
President
Downtown Neighborhood Association Savannah, GA Inc.