Martin Austermuhle
Photo by Ross Goodwin
If you never ran into Dorothy Brizill at press conferences, D.C. commission meetings or in the halls of the Wilson Building, you missed how relentlessly the slight woman would badger elected officials and government workers for information and answers. With an encyclopedic knowledge of D.C. law and regulations and a keen sense of what was right and wrong, Brizill would sniff out any manner of government misdeed or scandal.
Gary Imhoff, her husband and partner at D.C. Watch, the government watchdog organization they co-founded in 1995, was no less important a force in D.C. politics, creating themail, a bi-weekly newsletter that landed in local in-boxes every Sunday and Wednesday and allowed residents and activists to spout off on just about any issue of import—or not—to D.C. In short, Gary and Dorothy were D.C.’s foremost civic crusaders.
That’s what made the two-alarm fire that destroyed their Columbia Heights home in early May that much more devastating—it not only took the place they called home, but also decades worth of their work and papers.
Now a group of local political heavyweights have started an emergency relief fund for Brizill and Imhoff and are requesting both monetary and non-monetary donations for the two as they pick up and start over. All the details are below:
Last month, a two-alarm fire engulfed their Columbia Heights home, totally destroying everything—computers, clothing, books, art, and precious memorabilia. Equally devastating, Gary and Dorothy lost files, records and photographs detailing thirty years of history and public policy debate in the District. Adding to this pain and injury, their insurance company has refused, thus far, to honor their claim.
In the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, a group of us met to consider how we could aid Dorothy and Gary in this time of loss and grief. They have contributed so much—enriching our lives and our city. Given their dire situation, we decided to establish an emergency relief fund.
Please make a donation of whatever you can afford to this fund today. All contributions of any amount will be gladly accepted and greatly appreciated. We recommend individuals consider a contribution of $100 and organizations donate $500 or more.
Please write your check, now,to: Emergency Relief Fund for Brizill and Imhoff. c/o PNC Bank, 800 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20006 Attn: Maggie
Non-cash contributions also are being accepted. Should you wish to donate a pre-paid gift card, computer, camera, any furniture, household items or clothing, you may call 202.234.6982 or send an email to donations@dcwatch.com
The full fundraising letter is below.
