The Raab Collection announced today that in the spirit of President Lincoln’s work on behalf of the sick and wounded troops of the Civil War, the firm would make a donation to the Fisher House, which acknowledged the gift, saying, “Fisher House Foundation currently has 72 homes, this money will go towards helping to build another seven currently in the process of being built.”
Raab To Offer For Sale President Abraham Lincoln’s Original Signed Gift To The Sick & Wounded Soldiers Of The Civil War
And Donate to Benefit Today’s Wounded American Soldiers, In Honor Of Lincoln’s Original Goal
A groundbreaking document in the history of support of the troops, valued at $150,000, signed by President Lincoln and the entire Union Civil War leadership, sold to benefit sick & wounded soldiers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 27, 2017 – The Raab Collection, the nation’s leading dealer in important historical documents, announced today that it is unveiling and offering for sale an original piece of history, signed by President Abraham Lincoln and the entire Union leadership, which was given to be sold to benefit the sick and wounded soldiers of the Civil War. In honor of the discovery and sale of the document, which has not reached the market in a generation and is valued at $150,000, Raab will donate to military non-profit, Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House program provides “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes provide temporary free lodging so families can be close to their loved ones during a medical crisis. This organization helps the Raab Collection fulfill Lincoln’s original desire, helping the men and women who defend our nation and their families.
“This is a remarkable find, a unique document, and a special opportunity to connect the work we do today with the hopes of President Lincoln during the Civil War,” said Nathan Raab, principal at The Raab Collection.
Historical background: In 1861, Congress created The United States Sanitary Commission, a civilian organization dedicated to helping sick and wounded soldiers. They worked with the War Department and Medical Bureau. President Lincoln signed the legislation on June 13. The Sanitary Commission did not receive funding from the federal government. Its work was supported by donations of cash and supplies, and in late 1861 the new organization was actively looking for seed money. Someone had the extraordinary idea to raise money for the Sanitary Commission by having the patriotic leaders at the head of the fight to save the country all sign something and sell it. The result was this unique, large broadside, with its magnificent hand-drawn image of cannon and flags surmounted by an eagle and 34 stars representing all of the states, signed by the entire top political and military command of the North. It is a snapshot of the Union leadership, heroes, and notables at the start of the Civil War. President Lincoln strongly supported this and gave his name at the top-middle to lead the group.
About The Raab Collection: The Raab Collection has handled many of the most important historical documents to reach the market and worked with the families of famous Americans in the sale and preservation of their family treasures, among them Neil Armstrong, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant, William Henry Harrison, and Ronald Reagan. Nathan Raab, a member of the Board of Directors of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, is also a contributor to Forbes.com. To learn more visit www.raabcollection.com or follow @raabcollection on Twitter.
About Fisher House: Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $360+million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation. Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans. www.fisherhouse.org
