2015-2016 Fundraising Appeal

“Camp community is year-round and lifelong.”

“When my life is stressful, I actually dream about being at Balkan Camp, and wake up feeling more at peace.”

“I hope that I can continue to attend, and if I have a family someday, it will be at the top of my list for summer vacation options.”

“Balkan Camp has influenced who I am. Openness, inclusiveness, generosity and fun spirit, love of incredible music and wonderful friendships.”

“It is my annual recharging. It fuels my creative side for the entire year.”

“It was a week full of fun, listening, dancing, getting to know new people, making music with everyone. It was a very welcoming and friendly environment. From the first day, I felt like it was my family. Thank you so much for this wonderful organization!”

“The friends and connections I made at camp are amazing. I feel like I am part of a deeply rooted community of people who share one of the most rich folk cultures I have ever experienced.”

“Balkan Camp will always be a major part of my life. My marriage of 23 years, my musical life, the majority of my creative side and that which I hold most dear to my heart would not exist but for these workshops.”

“Can we do it again next week?”

Let’s do it again…and again…

We hope that everyone who attends the Balkan Music & Dance Workshops has a similar reaction… Can we do it again next year? The answer is YES! But it takes all of us to make that possible. It is your generosity that allows the EEFC to create the top-quality Balkan experiences that you look forward to all year.

The EEFC needs your help to make 2016 a year chock-full of Balkan music, dance and joy. We must raise $48,000 in donations to bridge the gap between expected income and expenses. Our goal is
to raise a third of that—$18,000—by December 31. Help us get there—please make your donation today!

Yes, I want to support the EEFC

Tuition alone does not cover the cost of producing the summer Balkan workshops. In recent years, tuition and other earned income have met 80% of costs, while membership gifts and other donations covered about 13%. We have had to dip into reserves to pay the remainder. As you renew your membership, please consider increasing your level of giving to help keep EEFC programs viable into the future.

We understand that some in our community have limited ability to donate financially in these tough times. If this is you, we can still use your help! Students, working artists, and low-income folks are eligible for membership at a reduced cost. If staying on budget is your main concern, consider becoming a Sustaining Member, which allows you to give as little as $15 a month. Your gift, no matter what size, makes a difference—because it shows you support our community.

Please take a moment to remember the life-affirming, magical moments we have experienced together. Every time we gather to share beautiful music and experience genuine community, we are incredibly lucky. That luck starts with you. Keep our circle strong by supporting the EEFC.
Thank you!

—Amy Mills, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Development Committee
November 2015