rain

Anthony Kearns recently asked the Music Fund if it would entertain the idea of sponsoring one of the monetary prizes at the next Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition which will take place January 19–25, 2007. Given Anthony’s passion for opera, his admiration for Veronica Dunne and his sincere commitment to helping aspiring opera singers, this request seemed both logical and reasonable. Although there are still some specifics to be determined (i.e. for which category will this prize be awarded), the Board of the Music Fund has approved the funding of a €3,000 prize to be awarded at the Veronica Dunne Competition.

(NOTE: On July 7, 2006 the Music Fund and Competition officials agreed on a name and category. The Music Fund will provide the "Anthony Kearns Music Fund Prize" for the Best Male Singer.)

Red Sox
St. Patrick’s Day
Baseball Jersey
Winner - Shirley Murphy

Opera Ireland "Faust" and
“The Magic of Vienna"
Programmes
Winner - Denise Podell

Signed Photo
of
Anthony
Winner - Pat Schore

Though the title of this fundraiser, IT'S A “DUNNE” DEAL, suggests otherwise, there is much work to be done!!! A €3,000 commitment translates into raising about $4,000 in U.S. currency. But with the support of all our past, present and future supporters, we are cautiously optimistic that we can meet this challenge. What better gift could we give Anthony for his 35th birthday this August than the fulfillment of his wish to “give back” to the competition in which he himself won a prize in 1999. Also, by participating in this latest fundraiser, we hope our donors will feel both excitement and pride in the knowledge that they have contributed to this most prestigious international event. Won’t you please join in so we can report the highest participation ever!

Because the gift of music has such universal appeal, the Music Fund always welcomes memorial/honor/celebration gifts. Do let us know if you would like to make your contribution in that someone-special’s name, be it as a memorial, a birthday observance or a joyful welcome to grandparent-hood! We would be glad to send a letter of acknowledgement to whomever you tell us. Also, if your employer has a program in place to match your gift, a matching gift is a great way to enhance your support of the Music Fund.

Much like previous fundraisers, there will be a drawing for three delightful prizes at the conclusion of this campaign, which will end on Anthony’s birthday, August 17, 2006. Each item has been signed by Anthony to make it all the more special. No matter the amount of your donation, your participation will automatically make you eligible for the drawing.*

Donations should be sent to:

IT’S A “DUNNE” DEAL
ANTHONY KEARNS MUSIC FUND
19100 SHAKER BOULEVARD
SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO 44122
USA

Please make checks payable to: ANTHONY KEARNS MUSIC FUND and indicate that your donation is for IT'S A "DUNNE" DEAL.

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy summer,

Board of Directors, Anthony Kearns Music Fund
Barbara H. Gordon
Priscilla C. Horst
Eileen Martin
Edward A. Mearns, Jr.
Emily Tidball

* Due to IRS regulations, if you are included in the drawing, the amount of your donation that you will be able to deduct from your federal taxes for 2006 will be reduced by $100.00. We are therefore offering you the option to exclude yourself from the drawing in order to be able to deduct the full amount of your donation from your 2006 federal taxes. Should you wish to exclude yourself from the drawing, please include a note with your donation letting us know that you do not want to participate in the drawing.

Established in 1992, the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition bears the name of Ireland’s premier singing teacher whose vision it was, and is, to encourage talented Irish singers to compete internationally. To quote from the Veronica Dunne Competition website, “Dr. Veronica Dunne is an Irish National Treasure. She can be credited with the strong foundation upon which the Dublin vocal community was built. She is a constant presence in the Dublin opera world, a well-respected vocal musician and teacher, a unique and gracious woman. She is a dedicated advocate of vocal education and literally hundreds of singers owe their success to Dunne’s gifted teaching”. It has been well documented that it was Dr. Dunne who recognized Anthony Kearns’ singing potential and took him under her wing at the Leinster School of Music and Drama.

With a final tally of $4,153, “It’s a ‘Dunne’ Deal” proved, once again, that Music Fund supporters are a determined, goal-oriented bunch who meet challenges! The success of the campaign also suggests that the purpose of the fundraiser, to provide a €3,000 Anthony Kearns Music Fund prize at the January 2007 Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition was a popular idea indeed! The Music Fund thanks each and every contributor for both the dollars and the wonderful spirit of giving that is evidenced in the kind notes that accompany so many of your donations.

It takes many hands to run a successful fundraiser, and this latest campaign had no shortage of helpers. From the administrators of the singing competition to our website technical support; from the donors of our prizes to the various fan and websites that waved the Music Fund banner; from those of you who “talked up” the fundraiser to family, friends and acquaintances to Anthony Kearns himself --- we couldn’t have been successful without you! Go raibh maith agaibh (thank you).

A round of congratulations is also in order. The lucky drawing winners were:

Pat Schore - Signed Photo of Anthony
Shirley Murphy - Signed Red Sox Baseball Jersey
Denise Podell - Signed Programmes from: “Faust” and “The Magic of Vienna

Special thanks to Dianne Pierce for donating the Red Sox Baseball Jersey and to Lori Herter for donating the programme from “Faust”

Come January 2007, there will be more congratulations to be offered --- to the winner of the €3,000 Anthony Kearns Music Fund Prize for the Best Male Singer at The Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition. We hope you will follow the progress of the competition via its website (click the competition icon below). When the Best Male Singer is announced and we applaud the very first winner of the Anthony Kearns Music Fund Prize, I hope all our wonderful donors will also take a bow for a performance well done. I will be the one you hear applauding your accomplishments the loudest!

With sincerest appreciation,
Priscilla Horst
Executive Director

NOTE: