Dear Friends:

Are you a graduate of Hattiesburg High School? Did you graduate from the Old High School or the "new" one? Are you a supporter of downtown revitalization? Do you believe in using rather than losing valuable landmark buildings?

Can you see the vision of a fully restored Old High School, alive and functioning, filled with Southern Miss students, faculty and visitors? Can you imagine the impact such a facility will have on downtown and adjacent neighborhoods? Can you see the value of a thriving and growing downtown to the City of Hattiesburg?

If you answered "yes" to any -- or all -- of these questions, we need you to get on board with the Cornerstone Campaign.

Cornerstone Campaign was launched July 1 to help start the reconstruction of the Old Hattiesburg High School. The idea is to raise $100,000 as quickly as possible in order to begin restoration of the front section of the building, devastated by an arson fire on May 29, 2007. The cost for Phase 1 of this work will be $1.8 million, but we only have $1.7 million in hand. That's where you come in -- we need your help to get that additional money.

Completing Phase I will position us to obtain some $10 million in tax credit funds to fully renovate the building. Once it's renovated, the Southern Miss College of Arts and Letters has made a commitment to occupy the building as teaching and performing space.

The idea is to get 1,000 people who will each invest $100 to start restoration of the Old Hattiesburg High School. Word about the campaign is getting out via email, phone and the media. Donations are coming in steadily, but the pace needs to pick up if we are to meet our goal. Some of you have already responded, and your numbers are growing every day -- but not fast enough!

Will you help? Will you contribute $100 to the Cornerstone Campaign? Please make your tax deductible contribution check payable to Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation, Inc., and mail to:

Hattiesburg Landmark Preservation, Inc.
Box 150
Hattiesburg, MS 39403-0150.

Or make a donation online:

We're also asking you to send this message to your family, friends and co-workers. Give them the opportunity to join the Cornerstone Campaign. You can help us save the historically significant Old High School AND help us realize our dream of a thriving, growing Downtown Hattiesburg.

P.S. Want more information? Call 601.583.4329 or e-mail: rowell@downtownhattiesburg.com