Friends of the Capitol celebrates 20 years with Stitt paver
Twenty years ago, three members of the State Capitol Preservation Commission discovered a flaw in the funding of certain state buildings when a request for a traveling art show was placed before them; and they realized that the commission, a non-funded commission had no way to fund the request insurance for a spectacular visiting art show that was willing to visit the Capitol.
The members, Lou Kerr, a longtime philanthropist, Paul Meyer, former Capitol Architect and highly regarded Oklahoma City authority on Capitol history, and Gean Atkinson, a well-known advertising executive, and former state legislator joined forces and formed the group! Kerr, a veteran on forming and operating such organizations, led the group to initial funding and construction of legal paperwork to put the group into operations, ensuring that “Friends of the Capitol” was designated the only authorized non-profit to receive money on
behalf of the capitol. The group realized repairs to paintings, maintenance of statues, and other special opportunities, would be continuing needs, so Friends of the Capitol was born!
Funds for the many artistic and beautiful historically significant additions to the building by Friends of the Capitol are funded by a unique granite paver project at the Memorial Plaza at the Oklahoma State Capitol honoring family members and friends who have helped build the Great State of Oklahoma.
This month, the founders (Lou Kerr, Paul Meyer, and Gean Atkinson) celebrated 20 years together with friends, family, and donors at Chairman Jerry Burger’s home. Friends of the Capitol also met with Governor Stitt and gifted him his own personal engraved paver!
The handsome granite pavers are 15” x15” or 15” by 30” are a thoughtful and wonderful way to recognize the accomplishments of a special person and make a memorable gift. “Personalized pavers at the Capitol make the best gifts for every occasion because they are leaving a lasting legacy,” say Amy Dillon, Executive Director. They are available to each Oklahoman by simply making a tax-deductible donation to “Friends of the Capitol.”
Today, the Plaza has over 3,200 engraved names of Oklahomans and is growing daily after the recent construction of the Plaza.