{A note from Soul Of Miami: this was forwarded to us by the Miami International Film Festival. We think it is important enough to post here for everyone to see. If you can help, please contact the Friends of the Gusman at the address below.}
An Urgent Appeal from The Friends of Gusman Center
Please forward to your friends
As you are aware, the Gusman Center has been informed that due to the City of Miami’s budget shortfall, the Theater may not receive funding from the City for the coming fiscal year. Without this financial support, after 84 years in our community, the Gusman’s doors could be forced to close permanently before the year is out.
As a City-owned facility, the Gusman relies on the City for approximately one-third of its operating budget. The remaining funds are generated by venue rentals; arts and historic preservation grants from the city, county and state; and generous donations from supporters like you. The Friends of Gusman remains committed to developing additional sources of funding and to implementing a sustainable operating structure for the Theater over the longer term.
Today, we urgently ask you to join us in calling on our Mayor and City Commission to recognize their commitment to maintain this unique cultural and historic landmark. Failure to provide for basic maintenance of the Theater, even in the short term, would likely result in irreparable damage to the building and undermine the successful restoration efforts that have been accomplished over the past decade.
Please help us advocate for the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts by taking the following urgent actions:
ATTEND THE CITY OF MIAMI BUDGET HEARINGS
SEPT. 14, 4:00 pm & SEPT. 27, 4:00 pm
City of Miami Commission Chambers
3500 Pan American Drive, Coconut Grove
Join the Friends of Gusman demonstrating your support IN PERSON at this critical juncture, at these two budget hearings for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.
T-shirts will be handed out to all those who come out in support. Please look for us at the entrance to City Hall. Call for more information: Daniella Sforza, 305-308-0802, or Robert Hernandez, 786-325-8093.
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS — SIGN THE PETITION, EMAIL THE COMMISSION TODAY
Visit www.friendsofgusmancenter.org and click on ADVOCACY. Sign electronically the citizen’s petition addressed to The Honorable Tomas Regalado and City of Miami Commissioners “To Continue the City of Miami’s Fiscal Support of the Historic Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts.”
Visit www.friendsofgusmancenter.org and click on ADVOCACY. Complete the easy-to-use electronic form to email or print out a letter to Mayor Regalado and City of Miami Commissioners requesting that they pledge their support in keeping the operational funding for the Theater in the City’s budget.
VOLUNTEER NOW
Visit www.friendsofgusmancenter.org and click on VOLUNTEER. Give us your contact information through the electronic form and we will stay in touch with ways you can help.
DONATE NOW
Visit www.friendsofgusmancenter.org and click on DONATE to give online.
TEXT to donate between $10 and $500. To donate $10, text the phrase “Pay Gusman 10” to 646-863-9557. Change the “10” to any other amount to donate up to $500. You will receive an automated phone call asking you to key in your credit card information.
Send a check payable to “Friends of Gusman” to Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, 169 E. Flagler Street, Suite 837, Miami, FL 33131.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS TODAY — WE NEED THE COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT TO KEEP THE GUSMAN OPEN! EMAIL THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR MAILING LISTS!
We need your support and we need it now. If survival of this vital cornerstone of downtown Miami and historic gem of the City of Miami is important to you, JOIN US AND TAKE ACTION TODAY.
With appreciation for your help,
THE FRIENDS OF GUSMAN
The Friends of Gusman Center is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with the Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. With the oversight of a dedicated volunteer board of directors, Friends functions as a support organization to the staff of the Theater. It works to advance and promote the Theater through activities including preservation, restoration, operation, fundraising and marketing. Friends aims to preserve and promote this dynamic, historic community Theater to the benefit of its resident companies, artists, patrons and surrounding community.
For more information, please visit the Friends of Gusman website.
