Misty of Chincoteague honored the outstanding contribution to children's literature made by Marguerite Henry and Wesley Dennis in memory of Misty. Misty was given to the Town of Chincoteague and the children of the world on June 14, 2006 by the Misty of Chincoteague Foundation, Inc. on the occasion of the forthcoming 60th anniversary in 2007 of the publication of the book "Misty of Chincoteague." The foundation was formed because of the concern of a twelve year old girl, Rebecca Giusti, who had been corresponding with Marguerite Henry for years and expressed fears that the legacy of "Misty" would be lost forever. Marguerite and two friends therefore became the founders of The Misty of Chincoteague Foundation Inc.