Monday Conversation is a question-and-answer interview with a local person. This week’s interview is with Melissa Windsor who is the executive director of the Emporia Arts Council. She gives an update on the goal to meet a fundraising challenge from an anonymous donor.
By Chris Walker
walker@emporiagazette.com
Q How much time is left in the challenge?
A We have until Sept. 30 so only 2 1/2 weeks left. If we can raise the remaining $9,500 by then, the anonymous donor will give us $75,000 which will close out our campaign for our new building on Commercial Street.
Q Is the anonymous donor challenge giving the fundraising campaign the big push it needs to reach the end?
A Everywhere I go in town, people are coming up and talking about it. It is always humbling to see how generous people are and see the good nature of people and their love for the community. I had one lady call the other night who I had never met. She was just genuinely excited about the project and has a check coming to us. She just said this has to happen for Emporia.
When you hear people who say that that aren’t tied to the project it is really rewarding.
Q What size of donations are you needing?
A All donations are appreciated. We have gotten everything from $10, $20 on up. Any donation is appreciated. We want everyone to feel included and to give a smaller gift is wonderful. People have been saying if I can pay $500 this year then there is no reason why I can’t pay $500 next year or the next five years.
Q We had one person ask us if a person wants to pledge a $100 but doesn’t have $100, can they pay $10 a month?
A Absolutely, people can do small or large donations over time. They can do them monthly, bimonthly, or every six months. We are set up to keep track of that and keep records of that for people. It is whatever works the best for the donor but all pledges count.
Q Are there other types of donations you are taking?
A We are taking bequests, where you leave a gift and it will come out of your estate. We will also take real estate, stocks and personal property.
Q Have people been adding on a year to their pledges?
A They have and that has been phenomenal. People who have given a gift once are coming back and giving us another gift. Or people who gave a gift are now coming back and making a pledge. I just can’t believe how people have come out and got involved.
• To make a pledge or for more information on the anonymous donor fundraising challenge, call Melissa Windsor at 343-6473.
b3bill (anonymous) says...
Is the Emporia Arts Council committed to using only Emporia contractors/builders and only materials sold by Emporia businesses for their new building?
September 14, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )