Charity Gala Letter to Community & Non-Profit Leaders

First Lady Maria E. Berry and Mayor Richard J. Berry

Aug. 15, 2011

To Our Community and Non-Profit Leaders:

Preparations are underway and we are looking forward to our third Charity Gala as Mayor and First Lady of Albuquerque. This year we will celebrate the New Mexico Centennial as part of our annual Charity Gala on the evening of June 15, 2012, at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The Charity Gala is a special night dedicated to raising funds for selected non-profits that are engaged in inspiring work throughout our community. We want to honor our charitable tradition in Albuquerque and celebrate those who provide countless hours of selfless service to make our community stronger.

For the third year in a row Maria and I are excited to announce a selection process that is based on grant applications from any interested non-profit organizations within the designated focus areas. This year we are seeking applications from charities whose mission includes the promotion and support of the arts and culture in our community.

Through the generosity of our corporate sponsors and hundreds of folks in Albuquerque, last year’s Gala made it possible for us to donate over $105,000 to charities specializing in youth, health and wellness and addressing poverty. We are confident that this year’s Gala will be a success and we will be able to provide much needed funding to worthwhile organizations.

Our application process is now open until 5 p.m. local time Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. The application is posted on our website at www.cabq.gov/mayor/charity-gala. As the Gala is quickly approaching, we will not be able to extend the deadline. Proposals will be evaluated by a Gala Grant Selection Committee.

Please make sure to complete the application in its entirety. Should you have any questions about the application or the process, please contact Annabelle Romero at 505-768-3000 or aromero@cabq.gov.

We sincerely appreciate all that you, your organization, and your dedicated volunteers are doing for the City of Albuquerque. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you as we all strive to improve the circumstances and opportunities for many in our community.

Regards,

Mayor Richard J. Berry