2012 FRIENDS CAMPAIGN

SUPPORT THE ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Dear Friend,

     It's that time of the year again when charitable organizations begin to make their compelling appeals for your hard earned dollars.  And once again the Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) “Friends Campaign” is vying for a spot in your heart and your pocket book.  

     You are receiving this letter because you have been involved in something at the Centre in the past – and we expect that you already know the wonderful things that are happening here.  We could tell you how hard everyone works – how much young Liam and Aunt Jane couldn't live without the ECFTA –and what a great job we are doing for the citizens of the area – but then again so could most organizations – 

or we could share with you some of our numbers.....

The Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) is a home for (measured in day/year use by a single person)

     The ECFTA is an independently owned charitable organization with a mandate to bring high quality accessible arts programming to everyone and we rely on your financial help to assist us in paying for some of our annual operating expenses:

     While  we are grateful for all the support we receive Less than 2% of our annual revenue comes from the municipality and county combined.  Along with seasonal arts programming and events we offer free programming to youth and those in need (Trellis Community Mental Health and Developmental Services) and have Free Galleries open 7 days a week.

     We are very proud of what the Centre has done but it is a struggle to keep the doors open and lights on. We  would like to do even more wonderful programming including outreach – free youth programming and developing more arts and cultural programming to engage active seniors. 

     So why not talk about this “ask” around the dinner table tonight – Is it important for you and your family to have the Elora Centre for the Arts in your community?

If it is, make a donation to our Friends Campaign!  We will give you a charitable tax receipt and depending on the amount of your donation you may also receive a few extra perks -- donor recognition, a complementarty annual membership or 2 tickets to artcetera (see the chart below).  Renewing or taking out a membership is also an effective way to support the ECFTA.

Consider a donation of just $50 (or more), this would make a world of difference to the ECFTA!   
 

If you would like additional reasons to support the ECFTA – take a look at these 10 Facts:

10 reasons to support the Arts

10. True prosperity… The arts are fundamental to our humanity. They help us express our values, build bridges between cultures, and bring us together regardless of ethnicity, religion, or age. 

9. Stronger communities… Researchers have demonstrated that a high concentration of the arts in a community leads to higher civic engagement, more social cohesion, higher youth wellness, and lower poverty rates.  

8. Health and well-being… nearly one-half of the nation’s healthcare institutions provide arts programming for patients, families, and even staff. 

7. 21st Century workforce... reports by The Conference Board show creativity is among the top applied skills sought by employers. 

6. Improved academic performance…longitudinal data of 25,000 students demonstrate that students with an education rich in the arts have higher  grades, lower drop-out rates, and even better attitudes about commu nity service. 

5. Arts in the schools … students with four years of arts or music in high school average higher grades in all subject areas. 

4. Creative Industries… the creative industries are arts businesses that range from nonprofit museums, symphonies, theaters, architecture, marketing, design, computer companies and more.  

3. Arts are the cornerstone of tourism… arts travelers are ideal tourists—they stay longer and spend more. 

2. Arts are good for local merchants… the typical arts attendee spends approx. $30 per person, per event, not including the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, shopping, and babysitters. Those who live outside the county spend nearly twice as much at local businesses and in the community.

1. The Arts are an Industry… arts organizations are responsible businesses, employers, and consumers.  They spend money locally, generate government revenue, and are a cornerstone of tourism and economic development. Nonprofit arts organizations generate $46 billion in economic activity annually, supporting 650,000 jobs.  Investment in the arts supports jobs, generates tax revenues, and advances our creativity-based economy.

For additional information please contact Arlene Saunders, ECFTA General Manager, at 519-846-9698 or email admin@eloracentreforthearts.ca    

Thank you sincerely,                                                                           

How to BECOME A FRIEND of the Elora Centre for the Arts

Download A Pledge Form HERE please complete and mail this form
back to the Elora Centre for the Arts, 75 Melville Street, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
** Consider dividing your Annual Friends contribution into manageable monthly
donations through a credit card or post dated cheques.

Begin or Renew a Membership to the ECFTA
 

Donate on-line through Canada Helps:      

DONOR/ FRIENDS BENEFITS
 

The ECFTA is an independently owned, Registered Charitable Organization.
Charitable Registration Number: 86123 1314 RR0001

Our mission is to develop and strengthen a non-profit arts and cultural centre that promotes, teaches and nourishes the creation and
appreciation of the arts through educational programs, exhibitions, rehearsals and performances that are accessible to everyone.

Please contact us if you have any questions.  519-846-9698 or email: admin@eloracentreforthearts.ca

Birdies, 2012. Created by children ages 4-12 in a June 2012 PA Day Art Camp.