another ten lousy bucks

Hello, there blog friends! I hope you're all well and enjoying life in your respective nooks and crannies of the world. I know I did this before in the spring when we were in the nexus of fund raising for HERE, but some of you seemed to really enjoy the opportunity (not to mention the fact that I give money to your cause of choice when asked), so I'm doing it again. Please find below another Ten Lousy Bucks letter, and this time it's for my current employer [and life partner ;) ], Synchronicity Performance Group. We do really amazing work. You know that I wouldn't be working here if I didn't believe in it with all my passion. Read on...

December 5, 2008

Dear Friend,

Remember that old song from the Great Depression, "Buddy, can you spare a dime?" Well, this year, we're singing loud and strong..."Buddy, can you spare ten lousy bucks?"

"Excuse me?" you say. "You're crazy. Why should I give you my hard-earned ten dollars? Especially now?"

We'll tell you why. In fact, we'll give you ten great reasons:

1. Right now, your money will be doubled. That's right, some of our visionary donors have stepped up and offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $50,000! So every dollar (or $10) that you give us gets matched and goes further.
2. The arts are key to stimulating the economy--and boy, we can all use a little stimulation right about now.
3. We believe that art inspires conversation and compassion--and so we encourage community involvement in all that we do--from Playmaking for Girls to ice cream talkbacks after the show.
4. Because, let's face it, your TV could probably use a break.
5. Synchronicity makes you smarter. Really! The arts make us smarter. Studies show that children who participate in the arts have higher SAT scores and do better in school.
6. Our Playmaking for Girls outreach program has been getting some serious attention for empowering girls in the juvenile justice system and in local Title I schools by helping them discover their own unique voices through theatre. That's worth at least ten bucks right there!
7. Our Family Series creates exuberant, inspiring theatre for children and adults...and it beats the heck out of watching "Hannah Montana" again.
8. Synchronicity supports women artists--from writers to actors to interns. Hey, women are half the population, and no one else in Atlanta is doing this important work!
9. There's a good reason they call it "nonprofit." Without your support, we can't keep producing smart, gutsy, bold theatre.
10. Did we mention that your donation will be doubled?

Okay, you've hopefully seen our productions. We inspire you to laugh and cry, and we give you lots to think about. Maybe you've brought your kids to one of our Family Series shows or attended our Women in the Arts luncheon. Or maybe you've already bought tickets to this year's amazing Naughty & Nice cabaret. We know you've got ten bucks in your pocket or at least in your bank account. Why not slip your donation into our website (click here) or send it in to PO Box 6012, Atlanta, GA 31107. What could be easier?

Don't make us wait. Send us ten bucks today. We promise--it'll make you feel great. We thank you from the bottom of our pockets (and our hearts).

Shannon Turner
Development Director

P.S. Of course, if you're feeling generous and want a crazy-go-nuts tax deduction, MORE than 10 bucks would be nice as well. We have some lovely merchandise to offer for gifts of $100 and up.