Make your gift to our 2013 Annual Appeal

 

 

 

 

Dear Friend,

As a previous supporter, you know what a valuable community resource The Writers Place is for everyone who loves poetry and writing. Readings and events take place here almost every Friday evening, and workshops almost every Saturday. This year, with your help, we gave over 100 artists--from national prize winners to absolute beginners--a chance to share their work with the community.

But do you know how you're helping the next generations of writers? The demand for our youth programs Write On Poetry and In Our Own Words has never been higher. These free workshops spread the joy of creative writing to urban teens from some of Kansas City's most troubled schools. These children are hungry to express themselves, and no other structured program in Kansas City exists to encourage them to tell their stories--no other structured program.

That's why I'm asking you to join me in supporting The Writers Place by taking advantage of a wonderful opportunity.

A generous donor will match your gift dollar for dollar up to $10,000 if we receive it by January 15. Your $50 gift becomes $100; your $100 gift becomes $200.  Your contribution matched helps underwrite vital programs like these:

In Our Own Words brings professional writers to urban schools like Paseo Academy, Lee A. Tolbert, and Cristo Rey. Writers-in-residence programs such as these are our most requested service. The demand has increased for 2014, and we are straining to accommodate requests.

Write On Poetry is a free, ongoing workshop that brings children to The Writers Place after school once a week to work with professional writers.

These sessions do more than just teach children the elements of poetry. They allow young people to forge meaningful connections to caring adults who are professional writers. On the first day of the Write On Poetry program, a pair of students, both thirteen, walked more than two miles from their school at 34th and Paseo to The Writers Place for a chance to work on their poetry. Paseo Academy student Tabatha Washington credits the program with helping her obtain a college scholarship. "This has changed my whole life," she said. "I didn't think anyone was interested in my writing -- or me -- and I had almost given up." We are resolved to continue both of these programs in the years ahead. And we can do it--with your help.

You already know about the power of writing. As 2013 draws to a close, please support the literary arts by sending a tax-deductible, year-end gift to The Writers Place. Your gift helps assert the importance of the literary arts in a community that, for all its vibrant support of the arts, tends to overlook writing.

And for 2014, your support will also help our operations as we reintroduce the William Rockhill Nelson Awards. Co-sponsored by The Kansas City Star, and named in honor of its founder, this innovative partnership will allow us to celebrate and share the achievements of Kansas and Missouri authors on a scale we would never otherwise be able to attain.

I know how much you care about writing. Please take a moment right now to donate online.

With warmest regards and best wishes for your help and happiness in 2014.

Sincerely,

 

Jose Faus

President, Board of Governors