The goal was to raise $7.5 million in 75 weeks of celebration. The ERD raised almost $8 million during that time.
The 75 weeks of celebration drew on many different forms of raising awareness of the campaign and ultimately raising the funds. Two highlights of the anniversary celebration were the 75 Stories Project and a photo exhibit that traveled to various events. The 75 Stories project was aimed at collecting 75 inspiring stories from ERD staff members, project partners and friends of ERD nationally and globally. The stories were collected in various forms; written, audio and visual media. 95 stories were ultimately collected. The traveling photo exhibit was comprised of 30 photographs which told ERD’s history & mission, by sharing a glimpse of ERD projects historically and from different regions of the world. The exhibit visited numerous TEC dioceses, other TEC events and TEC General Convention 2015 in Salt Lake City.
The final event of the Anniversary Celebration was an International Symposium held in New York City. The Symposium featured Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preaching, a keynote presentation from the President of the World Bank, Dr Jim Yong Kim and culminated in a dramatic presentation by actress Anna Deavere Smith.
The story was originally reported by Anglican Communion News Service.
Learn more about the mission of the Episcopal Relief & Development at the ERD website.