Dear Friend of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus: It is with great pride that we announce Bindlestiff's 10-year anniversary. Over the last decade we have accomplished more than we ever dreamed possible when we first founded our cirkus back in 1994. We have grown from a two-person mom-and-pop operation into a non-profit organization with the mission to promote and preserve the American variety arts of circus, sideshow, and vaudeville. We have traveled over 300,000 miles across the U.S., have had hundreds of performers showcasing their talents at our shows, and have entertained, thrilled and even confounded thousands of audience members. Now, as we enter our second decade, we continue to plan for bigger things. Our goal is to make Bindlestiff not just a spectacular show, but also a community and resource for artists, performers, and the public. We envision a permanent Bindlestiff headquarters in our future: a variety arts facility that includes rehearsal and performance space, a school for young performers, workshops for the public, and opportunities for performers to meet and make connections. More immediately, we will be beginning a new performance season in New York that will include the classic Bindlestiff Winter Cabaret, the Cavalcade of Youth, and our brand-new production, "From the Gutter to the Glitter," which will tour the U.S. in 2005. In order to make these dreams happen, we turn to you, our friends and supporters over the years, for your help. In spite of our exciting successes, Bindlestiff contnues to struggle, and in this uncertain economic environment, it is the contributions of fans like you that make it possible for us to produce the one-of-a-kind, cutting-edge variety entertainment that you know and love. As we raise funds for the launch of our new season, we hope that you will show your support by making a tax-deductible donation today. Your contribution will ensure the future of the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus for the next year, and the next decade. Your contributions will support: - Marketing, publicity and advertising costs - Management, rehearsal space, and technical support - Costumes, props, and equipment - Instructors and resources for the Cavalcade of Youth - Necessary insurance coverage - Compensation for directors, musicians, and composers To make a donation, please go to www.bindlestiff.org/html/donate.html Please indicate your preference if you wish your donation to be directed toward a specific need. Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization devoted to the preservation and evolution of the variety arts. All contributions are tax-deductible. You may also send donations (checks or money orders payable to Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc.) via snail mail to: Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, P.O. Box 1917, New York, NY 10009. Thank you for your continued support and we'll see you at the show! In Play, The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus www.bindlestiff.org