Support Our Year-End Matching Challenge: Help us Build Cultural Bridges through the Arts
Update January 10, 2017:Thank you to the 53 individuals who increased their gift, returned after a lapse, or gave Al-Bustan for the first time towards our year-end matching challenge! With your support we exceeded our goal of $10,000! We are also grateful for ALL the individuals -- 90 in total -- who made a gift to Al-Bustan over the span of 2016 -- ALF SHUKR!October 24, 2016With the fall season underway, we reflect on what an invigorating year we have had so far. Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, teaching artists and guest artists, Al-Bustan has seen an expansion of several collaborative projects, newly commissioned works, demonstrations, and educational programs -- all testaments of our strength in creating opportunities for meaningful engagements among diverse people. In these politically charged times, supporting cultural organizations like Al-Bustan is more important than ever. Our work can't be sustained without individual supporters like you.We are pleased to announce that a generous supporter has pledged up to $10,000 to match gifts from donors who increase their gift, return after a lapse, or give for the first time before Dec 31, 2016.We hope you can help us meet this challenge and enable Al-Bustan to continue to succeed in promoting Arab arts and culture, breaking down barriers, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and enriching Philadelphia's cosmopolitan tapestry.
Please consider supporting our work through one of the following funds, at one of the giving levels listed below:[highlightsm]Al-Bustan EDUCATION Fund supports scholarships for youth of diverse backgrounds to attend summer camp, free arts instruction for underserved students in public schools, and continuation of community music ensembles and workshopsAl-Bustan ARTISTS Fund supports presenting internationally renowned guest artists from various disciplines and genres, and supports a resident takht ensemble of exemplary musiciansAl-Bustan's GREATEST NEED Fund supports general operations and various programs of the organization[/highlightsm]Al-Bustan is pleased to have established new giving societies in 2016 to recognize the organization's loyal donors who help make our arts and education programs possible:The Seeds - البذور$0 - $249 | Benefit: name listed in concert programsThe Blossoms - الأزهار$250 - $999 | Benefits: name listed in concert programs, 2 complimentary tickets with premium seating, complimentary CDHarvest Circle - دائرة الحصاد$1,000 - $2,499 | Benefits: name listed in concert programs, 4 complimentary tickets with premium seating, complimentary CD, invitation to special events, annual reception with artistsOrchard Circle - دائرة البستان$2,500+ | Benefits: name listed in concert programs, 6 complimentary tickets with premium seating, 2 complimentary CDs, set of 4 Al-Bustan logo coasters; invitation to special events, annual reception with artists[highlight]To make a contribution online, secured via PayPal:
[/highlight][highlightsm]To make a contribution by mail, please use the DONATION FORM and mail it to the address below. Please make your check payable to:Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture 526 South 46th Street Philadelphia, PA 19143[/highlightsm]Individual donor support is vital to sustaining our programs. As we seek to contribute further to the cultural fabric of Philadelphia, please help us meet our challenge and be a part of our family of donors.Over the coming months you will hear more about "Tabadul: Cross-cultural Exchange through the Arts" project at Northeast High School with other partners across the city; and "(DIS)PLACED: Philadelphia - Expressions of Identity in Transition" -- an initiative exploring the theme of (dis)placement across Philadelphia's diverse communities and from the perspectives of four artists of Arab heritage during their residencies in the city, with plans for community engagement and public art displays.Shukran - Thank you for your generosity and support!Hazami Sayed, Executive DirectorOmar Harb, Chair of the Board