Dear Fellow Arts Enthusiasts,
“If you build it, they will come”… and come they did! In the face of all economic issues, we were able to restructure and rebuild our organization with very little outside support by giving you what you wanted and what we promised.
2009 was a landmark year for the arts in our area with the formation of our St. Joe Children's Theater and GALA Community Theater. Hope you caught the performances featured by both. If not, there is more to come. If all goes as planned, the Children's Theater will perform "The Velveteen Rabbit" this Spring. And, the Community Theater will perform the sequel to last year's comedy performance of "Halfway In" titled “Catfish & Nuts” by the end of 1st quarter.
With the success of our theater projects, we have proven that performing arts are a truly universal language that brings together all manners of diverse audiences in the unity of appreciation. Now, more than ever, we need that unity to continue and grow. We must continue to create joy and hope through all forms of local arts and culture that uplift us all.
The performing arts are just the beginning of what we have in store. With the funds generated from our 2009 efforts, we have already purchased the Write-A-Play program, an internationally acclaimed program that teaches the art of play writing, for all six area public schools. We are also forming Creative Writing for College Acceptance & Scholarships Essays seminars and classes, Downtown Window Gallery Tour, Art After Dark and more. For more info on these projects and others, please visit our new website at www.gulfalliance.org.
Our annual membership drive is directly responsible for our ability to meet these extraordinary goals. Since the State of Florida has cut or eliminated all arts and culture support, grants and funding, we desperately need your financial support to continue our efforts. If financial support is not possible for you at this time, please contact us for volunteer and service opportunities. Any support is greatly appreciated.
There is no time like the present for us all to make this investment in our future as well as our children’s future. Annual membership dues still start at $30. Something new this year… with any level of membership you get something in return. Check it out. You can renew securely and safely with a credit/debit card on the site by clicking the “Renew My Membership!” tab at the top of the Home page. If you prefer to mail your payment, there is also a downloadable form available to do so.
Please visit our website, www.gulfalliance.org, and renew your 2010 membership today!
Sincerely,
Don Ouellette
President