Landmark Columbus Foundation, or LCF, has announced that the Tracy L. Haddad Foundation has pledged $100,000 to the LCF Endowment. This gift will be publicly celebrated during LCF’s annual High Five Day event on May 6.
“This gift is about sustaining something truly special. Columbus is one of the few places in the world that dares to dream in design, and LCF is at the center of these dreams,” President of the Tracy L. Haddad Foundation and Vice Chair of the LCF Board of Directors Tracy Haddad said. “Our endowment ensures those dreams have the support they need to endure, evolve and include more people. I’m thrilled to help catalyze this moment and look forward to celebrating together on High Five Day.”
According to the release, LCF launched its endowment campaign to ensure that its cornerstone programs; Exhibit Columbus, Progressive Preservation and Columbus Design Institute, can continue to care for, celebrate and advance the cultural heritage of Columbus and like-minded communities with imagination, integrity and impact. This catalytic gift both underscores the importance of sustaining one of Indiana’s most innovative cultural organizations and challenges the community to help reach a $3 million campaign goal by the opening of 2025’s Exhibit Columbus Exhibition “Yes And,” to be held in August.
“This campaign is about building something permanent for the future of Columbus,” Chair of the LCF Board of Directors Mark Elwood said in the release. “And with this remarkable gift, Tracy is leading the way. She understands how design shapes lives and communities, and her belief in this work invites all of us to be part of a bigger, lasting story.”
The campaign has already passed $2.3 million with major support from regional foundations, individual donors and community leaders. The $3 million goal will position LCF for long-term sustainability, funding operations, community events, exhibitions and preservation efforts in perpetuity.
“This gift comes at the perfect moment, from someone who has always led with heart, vision and action,” LCF Executive Director Richard McCoy said in the release. “Tracy’s investment in this endowment is not only generous, it’s galvanizing. And we can’t wait to celebrate it with our community on May 6 during High Five Day.”
High Five Day, LCF’s signature spring event, serves as a joyful gathering that celebrates the organization’s accomplishments, previews the year ahead and brings together civic leaders, creatives and supporters from across the state. This year’s event will also mark the release of a new limited-edition collectible pin designed for the 2025 Exhibit Columbus cycle, themed to “Yes And,” according to the press release.
High Five Day will be held on May 6 at the Upland Columbus Pump House from 5 to 7 p.m. To learn more about the event, contribute to the endowment or support the upcoming “Yes And” exhibition, visit landmarkcolumbusfoundation.org.
