A Vikingsholm fundraising campaign was started in January 1999. It was becoming apparent, simply by taking a tour of Vikingsholm, that much was required if this irreplaceable building was to be preserved for future generations. Within the California State Park system, historic buildings traditionally have been under-funded, and this has been compounded by severe budget cuts in the last decade. Without prompt attention, it was determined the castle would soon reach a deterioration point of no return. The most immediate needs included replacement of the leaking sod roof, cracked mortar repair, extensive repair of the courtyard and of the rotting window frames. The Campaign was established to raise funds for the urgent needs as well as to provide a permanent endowment to insure Vikingsholm's long-term preservation.

A Vikingsholm Council was formed with Helen H. Smith Chair of the Project. The project is under the auspices of the California State Parks Foundation. This Foundation is an independent, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of California's 265 state parks. Founded in 1969 by William Penn Mott, Jr. the Foundation has contributed $150 million for important state park projects and educational programs, and advocates on behalf of state parks. the Vikingsholm Project funds are separately invested and administered by the California State Parks Foundation to supplement budgeted monies of the California State Parks system and directed exclusively for projects at Vikingsholm. A start has been made in building preservation and significant restoration has been achieved, but there is still a long way to go.

Won't you please consider making a contribution to Vikingsholm so this irreplaceable Tahoe treasure will be preserved for generations to come.

Please make checks payable to: Vikingsholm Project and send to: California State Parks Foundation, 50 Francisco Street, Suite 110, San Francisco, CA 94133