Chandor Gardens Foundation
The focus of the Chandor Gardens Foundation is to preserve the heritage of the Gardens and work with the City of Weatherford to further develop the Chandor property, in keeping with Douglas Chandor's artistic vision.
Douglas Chandor was one of the great portrait artists of the 20th Century. Five of his paintings are on display in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. His portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt is displayed in the White House, and his coronation portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, graces the British Embassy in Washington, DC.
His passion for gardening and his artistry intertwined to be beautifully expressed in the gardens he created and named White Shadows. After the untimely death of Douglas in 1953, his wife, Ina, paid tribute to him by changing the name to Chandor Gardens.
Today, Chandor Gardens is a destination unto itself. It is the location of joyous events, memory-making occasions, and pleasant wanderings.
FEATURED SPECIAL PROJECTS
Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale Style Walnut Piano for Chandor Gardens
We are excited to announce that we are now the proud owners of an exquisite 1979 Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale style walnut piano, just like Ina Chandor's piano.
The piano arrived at Chandor Gardens on Feb 1, 2024, and now has a permanent home in the Great Room.
The fundraising goal for this project was $45,000 which included; the 1979 Steinway & Sons Model M Chippendale piano, matching Chippendale piano bench, spider dolly, as well as delivery and set up at Chandor Gardens.
We are pleased to announce that, as of June 5, 2024, we have now paid off the bank loan for the piano.
Thank you so much to; all those who personally donated to this fundraising project, Parker County Historical Society for a $5,000 grant, Weatherford College sponsored concert by Dr Song & Mr Sanders, and the two very successfull Secret Gardens of Parker County Tours put on by the Friends of Chandor Gardens members.
For more details about this project: CLICK HERE
Bronze Portrait Bust of Douglas Chandor
We are thrilled that, as of April 1, 2023, the required funds have been raised for this project, and we have commissioned Fort Worth sculptor Michael Pavlovsky to undertake this life-sized bronze portrait bust of the famed portrait artist and gardener Douglas Chandor (1897– 1953).
This bronze portrait bust has been completed and installation at Chandor Gardens.The public unveiling and dedication event was held the afternoon of October 5, 2024.
Thank you so very much to all those who donated to this project and have made this bronze bust a reality.
For More Details About This Project - CLICK HERE
UPCOMING FEATURED FOUNDATION & FRIENDS EVENTS:
Chandor Nature Trail Spruce-Up - Saturday, April 26, 2025 -10:00 AM to Noon
Friends of Chandor Gardens are invited to join the Cross Timbers Weatherford Chapter Native Plant Society of Texas the morning of Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 to Noon for the monthly Chandor Gardens Nature Trail Spruce Up. The spruce up is focused around making sure the trail is clear of deadfall or invading plant growth.
Bring gloves and wear closed toe shoes.
If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact Christie Tull at greenwoodfarminc [AT] aol [DOT] com
The Lecture Series by Parker County Historical Commission: "Revelations The Chandor Guest Book" - Saturday, April 26 @ 10:30 AM - Jazz Chaple, Cotton-Bratton building
Note: Brenda McClurkin did this presentation at the Friends of Chandor Gardens meeting in July, 2023, so if you were unable to attend at that time this is your second chance to now hear this excellent presentation.
Danny Wright in Concert at Chandor Gardens: "From Stage to Screen" - Saturday, May 10
Chandor Gardens Foundation is thrilled to be hosting "piano sensation" Danny Wright in concert on Saturday May 10, 2025 at 7:00 P.M in the Great Room of Chandor Gardens, Weatherford, TX. Concert tickets include complimentary pre-concert wine and lite hors d’oeuvres from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
For this concert Danny Wright will be showcasing songs from his latest album,” From Stage to Screen”, which is a collection of 13 songs from beloved movie and Broadway songs, The album, which was released on February 1st, 2025, showcases Wright's signature style of blending classical and contemporary elements to create a mesmerizing listening experience. This new album includes renditions of iconic songs from popular movies such as "The Sound of Music," "Born Free" and "The Muppet Movie " as well as Broadway favorites including an Andrew Lloyd Weber medley, "Corner Of The Sky" from Pippin and "Try To Remember" from the Fantasticks. Wright will also be performing music from his previous albums.
Trained as a classical pianist, Wright composes and performs original compositions that are blended with various influences including contemporary jazz, classical and neo-classical. He has released more than 55 Piano Music Albums, and has sold over 15 million albums since his debut in 1986.
Tickets $55 (includes wine/beer and lite lite hors d’oeuvres)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Friends of Chandor Gardens Meeting - Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM 
Mark your calendar, and plan to attend the Friends of Chandor Gardens meeting on Wednesday, May 21 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Great Room at Chandor Gardens.
"Mix and Mingle" visiting time will be from 11:00-11:30, an opportunity to visit with current Friends and to meet new Friends. During this time samples of Piamonte Coffee will be available for tasting. The room will be set up with round tables so you can bring your lunch if you like.
The guest speakers for this meeting are Richard & Nelly Hill owners of Piamonte Coffee. They will be sharing details about their La Lucia coffee which integrates more than 50 years of family tradition, and how they grow and process 100% Castillo bean variety in a climate over 4.920 feet above sea level in Columbia. Their beans are 100% handpicked.
Richard & Nelly are also going to show and share tips on how to make their specialty La Lucia coffee with its delicate fruit and harmonic balance that stands out with the first sip, that has luscious sweet aromatic notes reminiscent of citric, honey, malt, barley and cream. Their presentation will start at 11:30 A.M.
Note: Packages of Piamonte Coffee (whole bean & ground) will be available for purchase following the meeting
This is a FREE event and everyone is WELCOME!
Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour - Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Enjoy a self-guided journey through unique gardens in Parker County. Discover what lies behind the hedges, fences, and gates!
The Friends of Chandor Gardens are pleased to present the 4th Annual Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour , which showcases stunning views, landscaping ideas, fascinating plants and garden art.
This is a self-guided tour, so you can make your own itinerary and go at your own pace between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 7, 2025. [NOTE: In case of cancellation, due to significant inclement weather, the tour will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, instead.]
Garden Locations: TBA closer to the event date
Tickets:
- $15/person - online in advance
- $20/person - day of the event at 1st garden visited.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Follow us on Facebook to keep in touch with our Chandor Gardens Foundation community.
For more information about any of our featured events please call 682-268-0102.
Virtual Memorial Wall
Virtual Memorial Wall
Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.’s Virtual Memorial Wall is a way for family members and friends to convey that a loved one’s memory will last and will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
This Virtual Memorial Wall, which is part of a Memorial Gift having been made by a friend or loved one, is an endearing way to keep lost loved ones close and to reminisce about their importance in our lives.
It is designed to bring back happy memories, while also expressing that those we have lost will always be honored and loved.
CLICK an image below to see more about those honored here.
Ways to Give
MAKING YOUR SUPPORT OF CHANDOR GARDENS FOUNDATION EVERLASTING
The following are a few ways to give which will make a lasting impact at Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. right now or in the future:
Outright Gift Of Personal Property
Your treasures like valuable antiques, stamp and coin collections, works of art, cars, boats, and other personal property can make suitable charitable gifts today. This allows you to benefit our work today and receive a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize.
NOTE: The financial benefits of the gift depend on whether we can use the property in a way that is related to our mission.
Related use property-e.g., a piece of artwork given to an art museum-is deductible at the full fair market value. Any other property is deemed nonrelated use property and the deduction would be limited to the lesser of fair market value or your tax basis in the property.
If the federal income tax charitable deduction claimed for a gift of tangible personal property exceeds $5,000, you must obtain an appraisal from a qualified appraiser and submit a special IRS form with the tax return on which the deduction is claimed.
Of Particular Significance: Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. is specifically hoping for the gradual return of original art by Doulas Chandor, as well as Douglas and Ina’s furnishings, personal effects, and antique garden features as part of our mission to preserve this historic gem for future generations.
Memorial Gift
Honor the memory of a friend or loved one by giving a memorial gift in their name to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. Your donation is a thoughtful way of continuing the legacy of a friend or loved one, while supporting the mission of Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.
Included as part of a memorial gift we also will add a picture of your friend or loved one, along with a short message or sentiment if you so desire, to our Virtual Memorial Wall on this website. One of the most touching aspects of the Virtual Memorial Wall is that it lasts forever and it is designed to bring back happy memories, while also expressing that those we have lost will always be honored and loved.
We ask that you provide us your name and address, the deceased person’s name, and the name and address of the person to whom you want us to send an acknowledgment (to you or to the person you designate as the recipient). We’ll send a card to the person you wish to be notified of your gift.
Please complete the Memorial Gift form.
Charitable IRA Rollover
If you are 70½ years old or older, and have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) you can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. and receive tax benefits in return.
Beginning at age 70½, people with an IRA are required to withdraw a minimum amount from their account every year. This is known as the required minimum distribution. The required minimum distribution is taxed as income. People who do not need the income or who wish to reduce their tax liability can meet the required minimum distribution by transferring funds from their IRA to a charity. This way of giving is called a Charitable IRA Rollover.
This law no longer has an expiration date so you are free to make annual gifts to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. this year and well into the future.
Why consider this type of gift?
- Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference your gift is making.
- You pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
- If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.
Planned Giving
Leave a legacy of support for Chandor Gardens.
A planned or deferred gift is a meaningful way to leave a legacy of support to an organization that has had meaning or has touched your life. You don’t need to be wealthy to make a planned gift. With thoughtful planning, you have the opportunity to make a significant gift that will benefit the future of Chandor Gardens, and make a lasting statement about what is important to you.
Examples of these types of gifts are:
- Name Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. in a will or living trust
- Designate Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.as a beneficiary in a qualified retirement plan [e.g., IRA, 401(k) or 403(b)]
- Designate Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary in a life insurance or group life insurance policy
- Establish a charitable remainder trust or charitable lead trust
- Make a gift of personal property or real estate to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.
A planned gift is an investment in Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. A planned gift may also help you achieve certain personal financial goals, particularly with regard to tax planning and management.
Will or Trust Bequest
The most straightforward way of making a planned gift is through a bequest in your will or trust. This allows you to distribute your property in accordance with your wishes.
You can make a primary or contingent gift to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc using the following simple language:
I hereby give and bequeath to Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit corporation in Weatherford, Texas (specific amount, percentage of estate, or specific property) for general purposes.
Beneficiary Designation
Not everyone wants to commit to making a gift in their wills or estates. You can also name Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts, life insurance, and annuities. It only takes 3 easy steps to make this type of gift.
Here's how to name Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. as a beneficiary:
- Contact your retirement plan administrator, insurance company, bank or financial institution for a change-of-beneficiary form.
- Decide what percentage (1 to 100) you would like Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. to receive and name Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc., along with the percentage you chose, on the beneficiary form.
- Return the completed form to your plan administrator, insurance company, bank or financial institution.
Next Steps
- Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
- If you include Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.
Legal Name: Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 114, Weatherford, Texas 76086
Federal Tax ID Number: 46-4718690 - If you have already included Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. in your estate plan, please notify us so that we may properly recognize your commitment, and make sure we have a clear understanding of your plans. Your notification will be treated confidentially, if you so desire.
The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.
Sponsors & Supporters
Contributions from our generous past and present sponsors & supporters are making our mission to preserve the heritage of the Gardens and work with the City of Weatherford to further develop the Chandor property, in keeping with Douglas Chandor's artistic vision possible.
We are thankful to the following companies and individuals who have provided financial and in-kind support.
Thank-You Event Sponsors
3rd Annual Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour, June 1, 2024:
Opus Nova Chamber Music Series "Stellar Sounds", April 6, 2024:
2nd Annual Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour, June 3, 2023:
Opus Nova Chamber Music Series "Mozart in the Gardens, April 26, 2023:
Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour, June 4, 2022:
A Night in Venice Masked Ball, October 12, 2019:
Cliburn In The Class Room "Summer Series" @ Chandor Gardens July 20 & Aug 10, 2019:
Thank You In-Kind Sponsors
Door Prize @ Friends of Chandor Gardens Meetings (pair of theater tickets) - On Going:
Assistance Measuring and Ordering Great Room Grass Cloth Replacement, January, 2023:
Become a Financial Sponsor
The Chandor Gardens Foundation hosts several events during the year, both large and small. You can actively engage in these events by becoming a financial sponsor. The Foundation will recognize your business in a number of ways i.e. marketing collateral, website, and social media, depending upon the level of support you provide.
Become an In-Kind Sponsor
If you want to support our efforts but would rather donate your resource, this too is as valuable as money itself. The Foundation will recognize your business in a number of ways i.e. marketing collateral, website, and social media, depending upon the level of support you provide.
Chandor Gardens Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 114, Weatherford, Texas 76086
682-268-0102
Chandor Gardens
711 West Lee Avenue, Weatherford, Texas 76086
817-613-1700
www.chandorgardens.com
Chandor Gardens is on the National Register of Historic Places of the National Park Service.
The Chandor Gardens Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Copyright ©2025 Chandor Gardens Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.
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