| Dear
Friend of the Appalachian Festival,
As
you may know, the Appalachian Community Development Association
(A.C.D.A.) produces the annual Appalachian Festival held at
Coney Island each May. Celebrating its 31th Anniversary this
year, the Appalachian Festival continues to be the only major
event in Cincinnati celebrating Appalachian Heritage and Culture.
In 1999, the Appalachian Festival attracted over 50,000 patrons
who took part in our various hands-on educational activities,
music programs, and folklore demonstrations. This year's attendance
should be even larger.
As
our audience grows, we continue to develop new cultural, musical
and educational programs, causing our Festival expenses to
increase. During our first 30 years of operation, the Appalachian
Festival existed entirely from gate income, donations from
individuals (printers, artists, designers and photographers),
and the efforts of the Festival's all volunteer committee.
Noting our tremendous growth and history of success, the 1998
Appalachian Festival Committee approached local foundations
and corporations for financial support. Kroger and The Ohio
Arts Council joined us at that time. This year, Kroger, The
Ohio Arts Council, Norton Photography 2, Fine Arts Fund, Thomson
Word Publications, MobilComm, Symphony Communications, Rapid
Delivery, Provident Back and the Arch Paging have already
committed their sponsorship.
A weekend of inclement weather impacts even the best organized
and promoted event. Regardless of attendance, Festival expenses
must still be paid. More importantly, a festival's financial
loss severely effects an organization's financial base, especially
the Appalachian Festival which donates a large portion of
profits to area Appalachian-oriented projects through A.C.D.A.'s
Small Grants Program. At the 1999 Appalachian Festival, the
A.C.D.A. will award $112,000 in grants to area Appalachian
projects.
We
are writing to request your financial support for the 2000
Appalachian Festival. Your contribution will help ensure that
the festival continues each year, come rain or shine. Your
support also continues the development of A.C.D.A.'s Small
Grants Program and helps support other Appalachian Projects
in the Greater Cincinnati area. Appalachian Festival friends
have been the catalyst for growth, diversity and extended
programming over the last 30 years. Without your long-term
support, the Appalachian Festival would not be planning to
celebrate its 31th Anniversary next year. Please join the
A.C.D.A. and the Appalachian Festival in continuing our successful
history of celebrating Appalachian Culture.
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