[FAC] COMM.: Share the Rebate

[Cynthia Cooper]

Recently, the President signed into effect the Economic Stimulus Package in
order to jump-start the slowing economy, Tax Rebate checks will start
arriving in May. 
 
Nonprofit organizations are staying focused on their missions during this
difficult time, and are working diligently to gain audience development and
the funding we require to maintain the work we do. We are doing our part so
that Fresno becomes a cultural destination and a sound economic investment
in our region.
 
The recent downturn of our nation¹s economy has had a trickle-down effect on
the local economy, and it is beginning to hurt significantly the nonprofit
organizations that depend on public confidence and broad support to succeed.
 
Fresno¹s arts and culture industry reflects the City¹s ethnic and cultural
diversity. This diversity has been influential in shaping the City¹s
cultural life and has contributed immeasurably to the local economy through
museums and festivals, presentations of live professional performances, and
all artistic experiences that contribute to our community.
 
This vibrant industry not only produces tangible social benefits, such as
venues for creative expression, it is also a driving force on the local
economy by supporting jobs, generating tax revenue and stimulating
event-related consumer spending. It is the powerful magnet that attracts
visitors and strengthens local tourism.
 
Survival is critical for all nonprofit organizations.  The Fresno Coalition
for Arts, Science & History, the Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council, the
United Way of Fresno and the Fresno Regional Foundation stand before you
together to ask that you give our institutions a share of the broader
stimulus effort.  We are appealing to those who care about our efforts and
will decide to help, to share all or part of their rebate checks with local
nonprofits who serve the many needs of our community, so we can continue to
enhance Fresno¹s quality of life.

5 ways to share your rebates
 
1. DONATE TO THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE: pick one, pick
two...find out how great it is to be a philanthropist

2. BECOME A MEMBER OR SPONSOR: sponsor a team of kids or buy a tile for the
renovated Fresno Met

3. BUY SEASON TICKETS TO OUR EVENTS: enjoy your rebate and have fun year
round 

4. BRING ALONG FAMILY AND FRIENDS: take your whole family to Carnival or buy
a table for a special event you¹ve always dreamed of going to

5. SUPPORT ARTISTS AND MUSICIAN THROUGH PURCHASING THEIR WORK: go to ArtHop
and buy that painting you¹ve always wanted, hire a string quartet to play at
your party, help commission a mural or support a budding young author to
write your family history.
 
Make the donation directly to the organization of your choice, or for a list
of organizations we represent, go to these websites:
    
FCASH: www.fcash.org
Fresno Nonprofit Advancement Council: 559/294-1513 www.fresnononprofits.com
United Way of Fresno County: 559/244-5710  www.unitedwayfresno.org

If you need to find an idea that really turns you on, or if you want to find
other ways to have your rebate make a difference, call us.  We¹ll find
something so cool that will actually stimulate the economy and something
that make you, your family and the community very happy!

Cynthia Cooper
Executive Director
Fresno Coalition for Arts, Science & History
1401 Fulton Street, S-904, Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 286-8282 
http://www.fcash.org

Working together to ignite the imagination of a community