Dear Music Fund Supporters,
For several months, the Music Fund has been pondering an issue that has been gradually inching its way into our thinking --- whether or not to hold a fundraiser this coming holiday season.
The Music Fund has been conducting biannual fundraisers ever since December 2001 --- one each summer to celebrate Anthony Kearns’s birthday, and one at year’s end to celebrate the holidays. Since its inception, the Fund has always reached or exceeded its collection goal, and because of these successes, it has been able to provide wonderful opportunities for Irish music students of all ages! Why, then, are we considering “skipping” a holiday fundraiser this year?
First, no specific requests for financial assistance have been made in recent months. At the present time, F.C.J. Secondary School has a state-of-the-art music program that is recognized throughout Ireland. There is no question this enviable position was helped along by the numerous Music Fund gifts that have been made over the past six years. Our many, many generous donors have virtually wiped out the music program’s “wish list”! Additionally, last summer’s fundraiser, “New Beginnings”, generated a financial cushion that can adequately address most any last-minute request such as scholarship assistance or a new musical instrument.
As for funding vocal scholarships for conservatory level students, there is enough in our coffers to provide the next round of scholarships, and next summer’s fundraiser would serve to replenish that treasury.
Another compelling reason to question the wisdom of holding a year-end fundraiser is the present currency exchange rate. The U.S. Dollar has become so weak against the Euro that the value of our donors’ dollars is cut almost in half. At a time when stretching dollars is a challenge for all, the idea of “shortening them” doesn’t seem to make the best sense.
After considering the various factors discussed above, we have concluded that the Music Fund will not conduct a formal fundraiser in November-December of this year. At the same time, we hope that you will keep the musical arts in mind as you contemplate your year-end giving. Might there be a school or community music group here in the United States that could benefit from your dollars that wouldn’t have to suffer a value-diminishing conversion?
That being said, we do not mean to discourage donations; your gifts are always welcome and appreciated here at the Music Fund. Our commitment to making the most of your kind and generous contributions continues to be a top priority. In the event that you would like to send a donation to the Music Fund this holiday season, please use the address listed below*.
There is one tradition from which we will not waiver, and that is providing Music Fund supporters the opportunity to send a holiday greeting card to Anthony. Anyone who is interested is welcome to send a card to Anthony in care of the Music Fund*, no donation necessary! The cards will be collected and delivered to Anthony in Dublin in time for the holidays.
The Music Fund wishes you all a happy, healthy holiday season. We thank you for all the years of support you have given us, and we look forward to working with you on our next fundraiser in the summer of 2008.
Blessings to all,
Priscilla C. Horst, Executive Director
A BREAK FROM TRADITION
Holiday 2007 Message
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Anthony Kearns Music Fund
19100 Shaker Boulevard
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
USA
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