Dear Friends,
Al-Bustan is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary! There is no better time to invite you to join us in commemorating ten years of successfully sowing the seeds of Arab arts and culture in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We have a full season of arts and culture ready for you!
In 2002 Al-Bustan was launched as a summer camp for 18 boys and girls. Since that time, Al-Bustan has become an established year-round organization serving youth and adults. We are especially grateful to the many artists, educators, and staff and board members who have contributed so much of their time and creativity to growing Al-Bustan. And with the support of individuals like you, our expanded programming has made a difference in our community by:
o offering school and community-based educational arts and language programs
o targeting underserved communities of immigrants and Arab-Americans
o providing educators with resources for instruction on Arab arts and culture
o exposing the broader public to presentations of the highest quality Arab arts
o fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange
We need your help to sustain these invaluable programs!
A generous donor has pledged $10,000 to Al-Bustan if we are able to match it with another $10,000 between now and December 31, 2011. You can double the impact of your support and help us raise $20,000 by making a tax-deductible contribution to Al-Bustan today! Donors at the $500 level and above will be invited to an exclusive event with Tunisian vocalist Sonia M'Barek during the week of March 19th!
Although we have been successful over the past years at obtaining grants, such as the National Endowment for the Arts for the 6th consecutive year, given the state of the economy, we are facing major cuts from public agencies and private foundations. Now more than ever, we need you to demonstrate that you value what we do with your financial support.
The reality is that fees for programs and ticket sales do not cover the costs of our work.
If you have already made a recent donation, we thank you for your generosity!
With appreciation for your support and excitement for the next 10 years,
Hazami Sayed
Executive Director
