The Society that has been there for watchmakers since 1866 has introduced a Matching Donation Program to keep horology running on schedule.
In May, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) made the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 Gala & Charity Auction set for August 5th due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Gala tables were sold out, menu items had been finalized, and table decorations were ordered for what would have been HSNY’s 154th celebration.
HSNY quickly refunded all attendees, totaling $40,000 in ticket sales, and will now be unable to receive any proceeds from the charity auction for 2020 following its cancellation. (HSNY raised more than $45,000 from last year’s charity auction alone and this year’s lot proceeds were projected to top those of 2019.)
In addition to celebrating with members and friends, the Gala & Charity Auction was an opportunity for America’s oldest watchmaking guild to generate funds to pay expenses, cover daily operation costs and fund multiple financial aid initiatives for watchmakers, watchmaking schools and students.
Immediately following news of the Gala & Charity Auction cancellation, two very generous donors made a joint donation of $10,000 and are now pledging to match any future donations dollar to dollar up to $10,000. This new matching donation program will run until June 30, 2020, and will greatly assist HSNY in mitigating the cancellation of its 2020 Gala & Charity Auction.
If you are able, please consider supporting HSNY by donating your Gala ticket cost or any amount you are comfortable with. No donation is too small. Together, we can make a positive contribution to horology.
All donations to HSNY are tax-deductible. HSNY is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, federal tax identification number 13-6139887.