Mission Possible

Inspired by the women who saved Mount Vernon, Lynn and Scott Molitor pledge their support

One of the first vacations Lynn and Scott Molitor took after they were married was to Washington, D.C., over the Fourth of July holiday. Like many tourists to the nation’s capital, they soon realized that one visit barely scratches the surface of what the area has to offer, especially for a couple of American history buffs. They decided to return every year, venturing farther afield each time. That’s when they first visited Mount Vernon—an experience that has inspired the Milwaukee couple in countless ways, big and small. “I was very humbled to visit the home and grounds where our first president resided. I was a bit starstruck,” admits Lynn. “I appreciate the sacrifices George Washington made, especially in his personal life, to create a thriving country that immigrants still aspire to. It is truly an impressive legacy.”

Moved by that visit to make a small contribution to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the Molitors have since increased their giving as their business, Infosoft Group Inc., has found success. Early on, they focused on making the guest experience at Mount Vernon more accessible with the addition of new benches, replacement of the Windsor chairs that line the piazza, and the development of an app and virtual tour. “The property is expansive, and so we look to make the visit to Mount Vernon easier for those who can’t get around as well as they did when they were younger,” says Scott. Their digital support was a natural extension of their field, says Lynn. “With technology—which is our background—people who are not able to personally visit Mount Vernon can still experience it.”

In recent years, the Molitors have shifted to giving in less conspicuous and more foundational ways. “When I was younger, I was always interested in preserving the different rooms of the Mansion. I am intrigued by how colorful each of the rooms is. But now that I am older and maybe a bit wiser, I appreciate that major funds are needed to preserve and protect the Mansion in ways that aren’t as visible or as flashy,” says Lynn.

To that end, the couple has pledged to this appeal in support of Strengthening Our Foundations: The Campaign for Mount Vernon, an ambitious fundraising effort tied to the nation’s 250th birthday and intended to preserve the estate for generations to come. The couple was inspired by the story of how the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association saved Mount Vernon, says Lynn. “It is an honor to be able to help with their mission and do our part as Americans to save the home of George Washington and his legacy of honesty, integrity, and devotion to duty.”

“It is an honor to be able to help with their mission and do our part as Americans to save the home of George Washington and his legacy of honesty, integrity,and devotion to duty.”

Such values are more important than ever, the Molitors believe. “When times are extremely challenging and situations seem dire, we can all take comfort in knowing that we are going through it together in the greatest nation in the world. What makes our country great are the values and founding principles we all share,” says Scott. “Without financial support, the legacy and lessons of Washington’s life may eventually disappear. It’s important that future generations understand the debt of gratitude we owe past generations, especially the person on whom this country depended so much at the beginning.”