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unrelated to Monet but just so fascinating - Aileen Bordman
http://www.monetspalate.com/
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HELEN RAPPEL BORDMAN FONDATION CLAUDE MONET GIVERNY 30th YEAR 2009

It is with the UTMOST pride that I get to write this Blog entry about my mother Helen Rappel Bordman who is the Founder of the Volunteer program at Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny and has aided the Fondation Claude Monet in helping to restore Monet’s home and gardens to their original splendor. This year marks her 30th year of dedication to the Museum and Foundation. Helen's journey started with a recommendation from Lila Achenson Wallace to Florence and Gerald Van der Kemp. It wasn't until 1977 that Gerald Van der Kemp, who restored Versailles, decided to work on Giverny. A large part of it was restored with gifts from U.S. benefactors, especially the late Lila Acheson Wallace, former head of Reader's Digest. Florence Van der Kemp's dedication to Giverny inspired my mother to work throughout the year not just when she was in residence at Monet's home to do all she could to make the Museum what it is today. Amazing people like Claudette Lindsay and Laurent Echaubard at the Museum helped to foster and inspire the dedication and spirit my mother possesses. Additionally, since these very early days my mother has helped to raise the funds to grow and maintain Claude Monet's Home and Gardens. In fact, visitors who met her in the gardens would occasionally donate to the Foundation every year just because she inspired them. Additionally as the head of the volunteer program spending each Spring for the past 30 in Giverny, she has welcomed visitors to Monet's oasis. Each year students and people with special skills like gardening would be part of the annual Volunteer program which to this day is continuing. Guests at the Museum through the years have included many diplomats and celebrities including Prince Charles, Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, Tony Bennett, Steve Wynn, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Streisand, Kirk Douglas, Bette Midler, Louis Jourdan oh my the list just goes on and on. Of course the most important guests are all the adults and children who come from every country and continent in the world to witness the beauty of Monet's creation...the gardens and home in Giverny. The plaque above honors my mothers work at Fondation Claude Monet which still welcomes donations to help support Monet in Giverny. Lastly, to quote Bonnie Lautenberg ..Senator Frank Lautenberg's wife to whom I spoke with last week " Your Mother is so full of life and energy" "she truly represents America in France with her good work in Giverny"
All I can say is Bravo Helen Bordman you are truly an inspiration and I know your love for Monet and his home continues as always with the same passion you had in the early years. I am so proud of you - Aileen Bordman 6 Mai 2009