Dede Wilsey played a significant role in rebuilding the quake-damaged building of the De Young Museum. She drove a thorough campaign to raise huge funds privately. She managed to raise over $200 million for its rebuilding and redesigning and made it the second largest privately funded museum project. She also donated $10 million personally for the campaign.
De Young was in ruins for a long time as public funding wasn’t enough to support the rebuilding process. This is why Dede Wilsey stepped in and took the responsibility on her shoulders. She worked day and night to make the project a success. She not only raised funds for it but also supervised the redesigning of the museum. She hired experienced Swiss architects for this purpose.
Dede Wilsey encountered many obstacles in this particular project. Infect, it is said to be the most challenging project of her life as a fundraiser. It took her years to complete this particular project. She had to fight with numerous issues such as city politics to materialize her vision of the museum. Dede Wilsey strongly believed in the project and drove it to completion with all her confidence. She persuaded donors with all her charm to dig deep in their pockets and donate generously for the campaign.