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Autumn 2010
Dear Members of the Indianapolis Branch of The English-Speaking Union:
Six years ago, in 2004, your board of directors held a retreat to determine priorities for the next several years. Overwhelmingly, there was a consensus that securing the financial future of the Indianapolis Branch was our top priority. Of particular concern was the fact that our scholarships have become “partial” because of rising tuitions, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and a Scholarship Fund that cannot generate sufficient revenue. Also, our Branch’s General Operating Fund sometimes runs close to the edge.
This then led to the launch of our Branch’s Annual Fund solicitation. Thus, on behalf of the board of directors, I invite your participation in the 2010-2011 Annual Fund, and ask you to please consider The English-Speaking Union in the same way that you do other educational and cultural institutions and organizations.
Your financial contributions help support the educational work of the ESU in Indianapolis and Indiana in the following ways:
The annual state Shakespeare Competition (since 1988) for high school students, now held in the Allen Whitehill Clowes Auditorium at the Central Library.
The Shakespeare Teacher Workshop and Shakespeare Student Workshop.
The British University Summer School (BUSS) scholarship (since 1976), which sends an Indiana high school teacher to the University of Oxford, the Globe Centre, or the University of Edinburgh.
The ESU Fellow at Indiana University Bloomington (since 1951), which helps support a British student at IU.
Our Annual Fund provides giving opportunities at four levels. A special feature is The Charles J. & Dorothy Lynn Society, our distinguished giving society. Charles Lynn, an executive with Eli Lilly and Company, founded the Indianapolis Branch of the ESU in 1949 and served as its president until 1958. Then, his wife, Dorothy, assumed the presidency and served until 1973. This Branch owes much to the Lynns and, thus, we are pleased to take this opportunity to honor their memory.
We ask that you consider becoming a member of The Charles J. & Dorothy Lynn Society as we continue to secure our Branch’s financial future and expand our educational work.
All contributors will be recognized at the annual Business Meeting/Garden Party/Celebration of the Queen’s Birthday in June, listed in future mailings to the membership, and posted on the Branch’s Web site. Annual Fund giving levels are:
$1,000 and above – The Charles J. & Dorothy Lynn Society
$500-999 – The Sir Evelyn Wrench (founder of the ESU) Society
$100-499 – The Shakespeare Circle
$1-99 – Friends of The English-Speaking Union
Your gift to the Indianapolis Branch Annual Fund is above and beyond your membership dues. You may designate your gift to the Branch’s General Operating Fund, Scholarship Fund, Shakespeare Initiatives Fund, Endowment Fund, or any combination of the four. We kindly ask that you return your gift form and contribution at your earliest convenience. Questions may be directed to Keith Lerch, President (251-8661); Treasurer, Niels Lyster (927-9153); or Jim Fadely, Co-chair of the Development & Investment Committee (573-9906).
The English-Speaking Union has played an important role in the cultural life of Indianapolis and Indiana since 1949 and, with your help and support, the ESU will continue to enrich this city and state. You may send your gift form and contribution to Niels Lyster, Treasurer, P.O. Box 551048, Indianapolis, IN 46205. Your commitment to The English-Speaking Union is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
James P. Fadely and Thomas A. Mason
Co-Chairs, Development & Investment Committee
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