Fall Appeal

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November 18, 2015 Dear Friend, This year, I began my tenure as Jefferson Center’s board chair. It’s an honor and responsibility not taken lightly. The work that goes on inside this historic building flows out into our community, and the gratitude we get in return is remarkable.

Upon taking my leadership role, I sought to understand how Jefferson Center’s service directly affects and impacts the people it aims to serve. In doing so, I have come to meet many different people and hear many stories of how much this organization means to the community, and it is my pleasure to share a few of these with you. As you read, I hope you’ll understand the meaningful ways this organization and its supporters help to better the community, and I hope you’ll consider a donation as we enter this season of giving.

Jefferson Center offers impressive and robust performance and education programs. Touched by both of these components is the Morales family.

“Jefferson Center and the Their son, Gabe, a talented guitarist and established Music Lab helped my songwriter in his own right, has been a student of son find his voice.” the Music Lab — Jefferson Center’s music education - Maria Morales program offering experiential learning plus direct access to many of the renowned artists playing the venue — for several years. His time with the Music Lab has enabled him to meet, perform, and record with a multitude of internationally acclaimed musicians like Robert Cray, Snarky Puppy, Victor Wooten, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Moved by how empowering Gabe’s experience with the Music Lab has been, his parents, Maria and Germán not only support their son’s endeavors by their generous support of the Music Lab, but also through their season ticket purchases for performances at Jefferson Center.

Another regular attendee of the performances at Jefferson Center is Pat Sams. Mr. Sams rarely misses a show, and his enthusiasm for this organization is evident when speaking with him.

“I don’t get to travel as much as I used to, but the performances here take me to places I’ve never been. Fatoumata Diawara brought African music to Roanoke, and Lünasa gave us Celtic and

“Jefferson Center’s performances take me to places I wouldn’t get the chance to visit otherwise.”

- Pat Sams

Jefferson Center | 541 Luck Avenue | Suite 221 | Roanoke, Virginia 24016 | 540 343 2624 | jeffcenter.org

traditional Irish song,” Pat said. “From the Quebecois music of De Temps Antan and the sophisticated Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Jefferson Center shows bring diversity and culture to Roanoke.”

Just as many join here in song, many others come to Jefferson Center to join in celebration. From parties and banquets to memorials and ceremonies, loved ones often gather at Jefferson Center to support, honor, and celebrate one another. Coordinating these special occasions is Jefferson Center’s own Fred Pryor. Frequently referred to as “Mr. Jefferson Center,” Fred has been a longstanding and recognizable face here, and as Director of Center Services for thirteen years, he strives to ensure that every event “Jefferson Center is where is memorable and distinguished, just as he did for Tish we said ‘I do.’”

Claytor-Hardy and husband Angelo when they tied the - Tish Claytor-Hardy knot in Fitzpatrick Hall. “Fred and the Jefferson Center team made sure our wedding day was magic.”

I’m pleased to be able to share these stories with you. With all the different opportunities and services Jefferson Center provides, its mission remains one of unity, where students join voices in song, coworkers join efforts in collaboration, where music fans join together in inspiration, and families join hearts in celebration.

We look to you for help to continue bringing people together. We ask for your generosity today to maintain Jefferson Center as an impactful educational hub, a vibrant community center, and a spectacular performance venue. And we seek your contributions to help us continue in the years to come.

Give a gift today to continue our daily programs and services that impact thousands of audience members, students, and citizens who depend on Jefferson Center as a vital community resource.

Give a gift beyond to Performance Beyond: The Campaign for Jefferson Center to help provide a means to expand, strengthen, and enhance our services as well as secure the long-term viability of Jefferson Center.

Sincerely,

Thomas T. Palmer Chair, Jefferson Center Board of Directors

Jefferson Center | 541 Luck Avenue | Suite 221 | Roanoke, Virginia 24016 | 540 343 2624 | jeffcenter.org

WAYS TO GIVE: Gifts of any size can be made with a credit card.

Visit jeffcenter.org/support to make your gift quickly and securely. Installment options are also available.

PHONE: Contact the Development Office at (540) 343-2624, ext. 212

MAIL: Gifts can be mailed to: Jefferson Center Development Office 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 221 Roanoke, VA 24016 Pictured on front from left to right: Jerry Cohen, Jefferson Center volunteer Maggie St. John, Music Lab student Samuel “Tre” English, Music Lab student Jordan Dalton, Music Lab student Siclinda Canty-Elliot, Jefferson Center volunteer Photography by Brett Winter Lemon Designed in-house Printing underwritten by friends of Jefferson Center

“With its wide variety of performances, arts education opportunities, and diverse services to the community, Jefferson Center is truly a cultural asset.”

- Tom Palmer, Chair, Jefferson Center Board of Directors