Dear Friends,  

 

As we wrap up our 9th fiscal year on July 31st, we are very pleased to share with you some of the year's highlights--and to ask you to renew your support.
 

What a year it was. Programs and publishing have thrived in every way, our new Associate Board's energy has been like a shot in the arm for us, and our volunteer corps--the real reason we can make such a tremendous impact in the community--strengthened its rank and file through the creation of the Volunteer Engagement Support Team (V.E.S.T.), the Vol/loquium training series, and 826's conversion to a new database that allows us to better track volunteer hours.

 

We established two major events this past year--Tale-Gate is our outdoor block party cum team fundraising competition, and Prologue is 826's official kickoff of the Printers Row Lit Fest season. Prologue attracted a variety of Chicago authors and literati, supporters and do-gooders, and, of course, the talented student writers who are the reason we exist. Seeing a student read his or her just-published work at the podium is an experience no audience member will forget--and sums up everything that inspires us here at 826CHI.
 

You inspire us as well. We realize how much we ask of you with these semi-annual appeals, and we strive to convey our gratitude every step of the way. It is you, our supporters, who empower us to reach thousands of Chicago students each year. Your contributions help ensure our momentum, retain our volunteers, and keep our students and their families hopeful for a better future. Supporting 826CHI is an endorsement of our core mission, and it gives us something to live up to.

 

Please consider making a contribution to 826CHI's summer appeal.  The easiest means of doing so is by clicking HERE for a fast and secure online transaction--please consider hitting the box "Make my payment a recurring payment" to stretch your gift over time.

 

For the new fiscal year, "transition" will likely define us. Stay tuned for updates and announcements--and thanks for your role in showing the students and families of Chicago that there is indeed strength in numbers.

Barry A. Benson                                             Kendra Curry-Khanna
Executive Director                                          Deputy Director          

826CHI | 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. | Chicago, IL 60622
www.826chi.org | 773.772.8108