(EDUCATION) [Kennedy John F] Letter making an anonymous 1000

Sale 2534 - Lot 245

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(EDUCATION.) [Kennedy, John F.] Letter making an anonymous $10,000 gift to the United Negro College Fund. Unsigned carbon copy of a letter sent as President of the United States to the fund's president Luther Foster in New York, 10 1/2 x 8 inches; staple hole, minimal wear. With photocopy of the Fund's response and receipt. [Washington], 29 December 1962

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Kennedy was an established supporter of the Fund, having spoken at their annual meeting in 1959. This letter states "It is with a great deal of pleasure that I send you my check for $10,000.00 as a contribution to the United Negro College Fund. I would appreciate if you would refrain from giving any publicity to this gift. I would prefer that it remain anonymous." His identity is confirmed by the accompanying photocopies of the Fund's response: a 11 January 1963 letter from Executive Director W.J. Trent to Kennedy, thanking him for the anonymous gift; and a 31 December 1962 receipt for the $10,000 gift, sent to Kennedy at the White House. Did he want this kept anonymous to avoid the perception that he was a wealthy man? Or to avoid alienating southern voters?