NSG Education Fund in Memory of Ellen S. Murphy

When Caroline Slee, president of the Newport Showhouse Guild (NSG) learned of the sudden death of Ellen Murphy, coordinator of the Foundation’s Newport County Fund, last January, she knew immediately that the Guild would want to honor Ellen’s memory. And when she and other board members became aware of the memorial fund that Ellen’s family had established at the Foundation, they decided that an NSG fund in Ellen’s name was the perfect tribute.

“Ellen gave the Guild its start,” notes Slee. “Eisenhower House, which Ellen served as executive director, was the very first showhouse. She had the idea to restore the house to its original glory, open its doors to the public, and donate the proceeds to charity. And since that time, we have focused on our mission to raise funds for Newport County charities by producing designer showhouses that involve the entire community.”

Adds Molly McShane Kelly, a fellow NSG board member, “We all had great respect for Ellen. She was so helpful in generating ideas for the organizations that would benefit from the showhouses. It wasn’t always easy to get our group with its many opinions to agree on designated charities, but Ellen – diplomatically and graciously – managed to steer us in the right direction.” Kelly smiles. “Ellen had a gift for making everyone feel heard.”

And when the group decided to adjust its charter to move beyond Newport County charities, Ellen was there. “She facilitated our decision to contribute to the Washington County Coalition for Children,” says Slee. “Ellen stated it simply: ‘Let’s get back to helping people!’”

The Guild considered Ellen as a guiding light, even when she was no longer on the board. “Her vision of ‘charity by design’ became our watchword.” notes Slee.

With this endowment at the Foundation, to be administered by the Newport County Fund, the NSG hopes to carry on Ellen’s legacy of caring and her commitment to education as a means of creating opportunities, for children and adults. “Ellen will be remembered long after we’re gone,” says Slee. “We hope the Guild can continue adding to the Fund well into the future.”

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