COVID - 19 (Coronavirus) Update
March 13, 2020Dear Festival Ticket Buyers,Thank you for supporting Historic Charleston Foundation through the purchase of a ticket(s) to the 73rd Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens. We value your involvement with HCF and appreciate your enthusiasm for this educational programming.Earlier today, the President declared a national State of Emergency and the Governor of South Carolina declared a State of Emergency for SC. As such, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the suspension of the Festival of Houses and Gardens tours and events beginning Sunday, March 15. In consideration of those who have traveled to Charleston this weekend, we will continue with all scheduled programs on Saturday, March 14.This decision has not been made lightly, and we are keenly aware that many of you planned your spring travel in order to join us for the Festival. Ultimately, public health and safety must be our number one priority.What to do about your ticket purchase(s)…The Festival is our largest fundraiser each year, and it provides critical funding for Historic Charleston Foundation to carry out our important mission as champions of Charleston’s architectural heritage and cultural character through advocacy, preservation stewardship and education.As you can imagine, it takes many, many months of planning and resources to produce these events as a way for HCF to raise funds for our work. We ask that you consider converting your ticket purchase(s) into a 100% tax-deductible donation to Historic Charleston Foundation for which you will receive a formal acknowledgment of your gift. If this is not a viable option for you, please contact us to arrange for a credit towards the 2021 Festival of Houses and Gardens or a refund.Email: FestivalTicketOffice@HistoricCharleston.org | Phone: 843.722.3405Again, please know how much we value your support of the Festival and of the Foundation and regret the inconvenience this will cause. We feel, however, that suspension of the program is the only responsible course of action in these most unusual circumstances.We hope that you and yours stay safe and healthy as we all navigate through this difficult time.Regards,WinslowWinslow HastiePresident & CEOHistoric Charleston Foundation