Preserve TapDance: Help Us Continue Helping Others

Subject: Urgent Appeal: Help Us Keep Tap Dancing Alive and Thriving!

Preheader: A heartfelt message sharing important news and gratitude with our cherished supporters.

Dear Supporter,

With a Heavy Heart and Deep Gratitude: A Personal Message

As this year comes to a close, I want to share a deeply personal message about the journey of Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Organization (M.A.D.D. Rhythms). This was our first year touring, and though the experience was enriching and filled with pride, it was more costly than we ever expected.

We proudly took Donnetta Jackson's Tap/Chicago Footwork love letter, "A M.A.D.D. Mix Tape," to the prestigious Jacob's Pillow, and "Feeling Good: A M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tribute" to New York City Center's Fall For Dance Festival, representing Chicago through the art of tap dance. Our founder, Bril Barrett, was named one of Chicago's Top 50 people who deliver for Chicago by New City and received an NEA National Heritage Fellowship, underscoring the impact of our work.

This year, we provided more scholarships than ever to our Tap Academy students and the Chicago Tap Summit, welcoming participants from Brazil, Canada, and across the U.S. We celebrated the debut of 19-year-old Andrew Carr's "To Love You All Ways" and added a second tap shoe wall to ensure everyone can afford to take tap classes.

However, 2024 has brought significant challenges. Our funding has been reduced by 75%, and the grants we received were cut in half. Without your help, M.A.D.D. Rhythms will not be able to continue our mission.

We need your support now more than ever. Your year-end contribution will help us continue to provide scholarships, offer free community workshops, and keep the art of tap dance alive. Please consider donating to M.A.D.D. Rhythms and making a lasting impact.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission.

Warm regards,

 

Making A Difference Dancing Rhythms Organization