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The Annual Fund is the BPO's multifaceted appeal to those who support the programs and
mission of this Western New York cultural gem. Annual Fund requests cover the waterfront, from direct mail solicitations to telemarketer calls to personal outreach from Board Members and other members of the BPO family.
Monies raised through the Annual Fund go toward the orchestra's day-to-day operations, as opposed to long-term capital projects or endowment efforts. On the operations side, we're talking principally
musician and staff salaries, but also guest artist fees, Kleinhans rental (no, the BPO does not own Kleinhans), marketing/advertising initiatives and the host of other costs associated with delivering a premier musical
product to Western New York. It costs approximately $10 million a year to operate the BPO. Ticket sales account for approximately $3.5 million of that. The other $6.5 million must be raised, through public and
private grants, as well as events, such as the Shining Brow Gala or the Opening Night Gala. We rely on the Annual Fund to plug the hole that remains. This year, we're estimating that hole to be in the $2.4 million
range, but you can see that any change in another of the variables — such as what happened during the Erie County "budget crisis" a few years back — radically affects our financial house. So in the end, while
the orchestra cannot survive without its listeners, it cannot afford to create anything worth listening to without the meaningful involvement of our community — businesses, individuals, government and foundations — in
the Annual Fund. From a tax perspective, donations to the BPO are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under state and federal tax laws. If you're a local business, your visible and vocal association with the
BPO will demonstrate to anyone paying attention that you have your priorities straight — in that you recognize the importance of being a productive and generous corporate citizen — and therefore are the sort of company
people ought to do business with. In the end, however, your support of the BPO is a direct reflection of your commitment to making Western New York a place people want to live, work and play. To become an Annual Fund contributor call 885-0331 Ext.410 or click here and make your gift online. |
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