On April 15, 2010, Beth Harrison, an attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Washington, D.C., wrote Jerry Hartman a note describing Barbara’s work at the Legal Aid Society. That note captures the essence of the reasons why the Foundation was started and reads as follows:

Drinker Biddle on April 14, 2009, issued a press release announcing the formation of the Barbara McDowell Foundation

The Barbara McDowell Foundation was created by Jerry Hartman, Barbara’s husband, and Drinker Biddle in April 2009.

The Barbara McDowell Foundation was created by Jerry Hartman, Barbara’s husband, and Drinker Biddle in April 2009.

The Barbara McDowell Foundation was created by Jerry Hartman, Barbara’s husband, and Drinker Biddle in April 2009.