Dear friends, You’re receiving this first Rising Phoenix update because you have participated in or expressed interest in the preservation effort. If you would rather not receive future updates, you can unsubscribe at any time. There is a possible next step for Rising Phoenix. In our October 6 conversation, Helen Schneider at Loyola agreed to receive a preservation proposal for consideration. The terms and review process still need to be worked out, and the auction remains underway. UNTIL OCTOBER 27 BEGINS · EASTERN TIME 19 days · 16 hours · 42 minutesSnapshot prepared Oct 7, 2026, 7:17 AM Eastern.
Online bidding is already open. The final closing time is set by the auctioneer and late bids may extend it. See the live countdown → |
Recent progressSeveral important pieces of the preservation effort have begun to come together. Here is a brief update on what has moved forward: Prepared a preservation proposal draftA formal, exploratory Preservation & Renewal Proposal has now been drafted for Loyola and prospective partners. It describes the history and purpose we hope to preserve and lays out possible paths such as acquisition by an established nonprofit, a negotiated purchase, seller financing, an extended closing, or a feasibility period. It is a working proposal, not an agreement. Got the Rising Phoenix email system workingThe project email, contact@risingphoenixlegacy.org, was tested for outgoing mail, incoming mail, and automatic forwarding so responses can be seen promptly and the preservation effort can communicate under its own identity. Reached out to churches around the retreatWe identified churches throughout the roughly 20-mile area surrounding the retreat and contacted more than 30 congregations with public email addresses. The message asked local Christians to share the effort, pray for discernment, and connect us with people who might help with stewardship, funding, restoration, retreat ministry, or a preservation purchase. Contacted retreat and ministry organizationsWe reached out to organizations with experience in retreat ministry and operating mission-centered properties, including Campfire Collective, United Camps, Conferences & Retreats, the Claggett Center, Mar-Lu-Ridge, and Bon Secours. The goal is not only to find funding, but also experienced people who may know how a place like Rising Phoenix could be stewarded sustainably. Opened preservation, funding, and nonprofit conversationsOutreach also went to preservation groups, public agencies, rural-development contacts, philanthropic networks, foundations, fiscal-sponsorship candidates, and community leaders. Among the questions being explored are whether an established nonprofit could serve as an initial steward, whether preservation or rural-development financing could help, and whether bridge philanthropy could create enough time for a durable long-term plan. Reached into Margee’s wider networkWe also contacted organizations connected to Margee’s life and legacy, including educational and retreat communities, while continuing to look for former supporters, board members, guests, and people who can help preserve her story whether or not the property itself can ultimately be saved. A timely Presbyterian Women gatheringThis Saturday, October 10, Presbyterian Women of National Capital Presbytery will gather at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon, Virginia, with an online option as well. Because Margee was a Presbyterian minister, this seems like a particularly meaningful opportunity to reconnect her story with the wider Presbyterian community. We contacted Trinity and National Capital Presbytery and asked whether Margee’s story and the Rising Phoenix preservation effort could be shared with the women gathering there. Follow the outreachRather than make this newsletter too long, we are keeping a separate public outreach log. It records who we have contacted, when contact was made, why we reached out, the current delivery or response status, and a brief summary of any response we have received. Repeated follow-ups are grouped together, and private email addresses and full private correspondence are not published. See the outreach & responses Read the preservation proposalThe working Preservation & Renewal Proposal is now available on the Rising Phoenix website. It is a draft for discussion and refinement—not an agreement—and it lays out the history, mission, possible preservation paths, and the help still needed. Read the Preservation Proposal You can also share the proposal directly: risingphoenixlegacy.org/preservation-proposal Conversations opening doorsHelen Schneider · LoyolaHelen acknowledged the retreat’s special history and agreed to receive a preservation proposal. We still need to clarify who would review it, what it must contain, and the available timetable. Gloria Carpeneto · Former retreat leaderGloria has posted on the website, asked former retreat guests for photographs and memories, and is contacting people who knew Margee, including family members. Mary Laymon · Tikkun FarmMary confirmed that she is the Mary Amundson on the donor plaque, expressed interest in preserving Rising Phoenix’s original intent, and offered to share the appeal with another person who knew Margee. Karen Custer · Former retreat leaderKaren shared memories of Margee’s care for women rebuilding their lives, support for local artists, and thoughtful hospitality. She is forwarding the website to another original supporter. Her recollections now help tell Margee’s story on the site. Stephanie Hipsley · Longtime caretakerIn a phone conversation with Adam, Stephanie expressed willingness to help manage the retreat if a viable preservation effort comes together. Her experience is valuable; no employment or operating arrangement has been established. Community introductionsManchester Church of the Brethren forwarded the appeal to Debbie and Jim Chinworth. Donna Scully at New Castle Presbytery referred a request for possible funding contacts. Those connections may help us find the right people for the next step. Proposed mission statementOur mission is to honor God by carrying forward Margee Iddings’ legacy of faith, hospitality, and compassionate service. We seek to preserve Rising Phoenix as a place where people can step away from distractions, draw closer to God, find renewal, and experience a caring community. Together, we aim to protect its spiritual purpose for generations to come. This is a starting point for us to shape together. Please share your suggestions in the website’s discussion. Our working plan- Bring together a small group able to help lead a credible preservation proposal.
- Find an established nonprofit willing to explore ownership and stewardship, with a possible later transition to an independent Rising Phoenix nonprofit.
- Develop a short proposal covering acquisition, a professional assessment of repairs, operating costs, leadership, and a trust or other arrangement intended to protect the retreat’s purpose for future generations.
- Explore whether a negotiated purchase, seller financing, or a feasibility period could be acceptable. None of these terms has been agreed by Loyola.
- Reconnect former board members, donors, and guests, and preserve the history even if the property cannot be retained.
A buyer, committed funding, nonprofit partner, and operating organization have not yet been secured. Submitting a proposal does not mean the auction has been paused. One introduction could helpDo you know a former board member, a holder of old donor or guest records, the person who managed any online reservation system, or a nonprofit that could consider helping? A former record-holder could also help by forwarding this invitation to past guests and donors. We are also trying to identify the ‘Gang of Five’ named on Richard Stephan’s memorial plaque. See the Richard Stephan / Gang of Five memorial plaque → Could a business help?Do you know a business owner, corporate donor, or foundation that might help preserve Rising Phoenix? We are seeking introductions to potential supporters who could help with purchasing the property, restoring the buildings, or supporting the retreat’s future work. Contributions of building materials, skilled labor, furnishings, and professional expertise could also make a meaningful difference. We would especially welcome connections to businesses that supported Margee’s original work. If you know who they were—or can introduce us to someone who might help today—please share what you can in the website’s shared conversation. My best discernment is to keep reaching out and making room for God to work through these connections. I do not know the outcome, but I hope we can honor God and carry forward the welcome, healing, and hospitality Margee offered. Let’s keep the conversation togetherIf you have an idea, an update, a question, an introduction, or an offer of help, please add it to the shared conversation on the website. That will let us hear from one another, build on each other’s ideas, and work together. Please also share anything you would add to or change in the proposed mission statement. Join the conversation Share photos and memories · View the auction With gratitude, Adam | 
