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NameAddressCity

Dear Name:

If you’ve ever read a book that changed your life … If you’ve ever witnessed a young person finding the words to express her experience… If you’ve ever come together with others and felt moved by the power of the written word…then you understand the importance of Just Buffalo Literary Center.

For 37 years, Just Buffalo Literary Center has brought the world’s greatest writers to Buffalo, hosted poetry events and readings, and supported the development of young writers. From the very first event back in 1975 with Beat poet Diane di Prima to more recent Babel events with internationally acclaimed novelists like Salman Rushdie or Zadie Smith, Just Buffalo has forged a connection between the most exciting writing happening in the world today and the local community.

Each year, we have been astounded to see the thousands of people who flock to these events. Our hope is to bring even more people into this global literary conversation in the coming year. That is why I am writing today to ask for your support during our year-end campaign.

Perhaps nothing speaks more powerfully for our programs than the words of people just like you:

"Inside of methere’shopeeverywhere.

There’s hopeeven inyou."

(From a poem by Caroline Finkbeiner, Grade 3)

“The Babel series is a jewel in the cultural crown of the Queen City. The authors I've been privileged to see are the best in the world. Babel rivals lecture series in cities like Toronto & New York. It's well run, consistently excellent and improves every year. Kudos.”

Babel audience member, after Alexander McCall Smith’s visit

“The impact of this experience cannot be measured. They have been given wings to fly as they put pen in hand. A seed has been planted, their growth is limitless.”

Fourth-grade teacher who hosted one of our renowned Writers in Education programs

And, then, there is the simple eloquence of this sixth-grader who says it perfectly: “Writing let’s me open my heart to everyone.”

In this season of giving thanks, we are ever aware that Just Buffalo could not survive without you.

As successful as we have been at securing nationally competitive grants, we depend on the generosity of individuals like you to make our programs possible. Thanks to your support, Just Buffalo Literary Center has risen to the top, earning national recognition as one of the leading literary centers in the nation.

On behalf of everyone who is touched by our programs—from the smallest child putting pen to paper to the seasoned writer—I thank you for your ongoing support and generosity. Please give what you can and know that your gift is never “just” a donation—every dollar that we receive goes back into our community-building work, promoting more readers and encouraging tomorrow’s writers.

Please join me by mailing your gift today. If you prefer, you may also donate through our secure website: www.justbuffalo.org.

Thank you and best wishes for a joyous holiday season,

Mary E. FaralloPresident, Board of Directors