We all know this past winter has been challenging for every non profit and not just the organizations but for staff and those we serve. In some cases it has been the tough time that has brought many of us together. Organizations finding new ways to partner with each other to work around budget cuts, funding freezes and resource limitations. In some ways those challenges have brought some of us closer and we have become better for it.
For Queens Galley those partnerships have been a cornerstone for our organization. From the begining it was evident that truly to be successful in what we wanted to do we needed to connect with others as passionate about what they do and work together to create an imapact.
In the last year we have welcomed new faces on both sides of the kitchen door at the galley. More guests have come to dine and have been served by new faces that have quickly become familiar.
We have enjoyed more food, better food as donors discovered our appreciation for quality product and dedication to producing exceptional cuisine.
I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful we are to be here, in this community at this time. But, I guess since you're here too you already know the blessing from which I speak :)
When I say we couldn't have done this without you I'm not kidding. Because of the support we have had gathering, preparing and serving the food and taking care of people I have been able to turn my attention and focus on some critical issues...the physical structure we work from is a disaster.
The roof needs repair/replacement over one of the structures, the electric system needs to be updated and brought into this century, our equipment is barely surviving and in some cases not at all, plumbing issues have become standard and the foundation crumbling away leaving our basement vulnerable at every drop of rain has become a critical nightmare.
We do not own our building and we are fortunate that our landlord has been trying to help us by attempting to make repairs but they have made it clear that they can only make repairs within the parameters of what comes in via rent above expenses...which means they refuse to make any changes above and beyond bare minimum. We have attempted to buy the building several times and each time negotiations hit a road block. Our landlord went into this to make a profit, a profit as business investors they are entitled to demand no matter how unrealistic it might be in this economy. No, they won't donate the structure, they want the money.
I have been working with several people on different strategies, some more practical than others.
One of them, a bit of pie in the sky wishing for miracles is our application to ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. As crazy as that might be to do any of you that know this place knows that it is a miracle that we're here at all.
I believe in miracles.
We need your help to nudge this miracle along. One of the criteria that the production looks for is a broad base of community support.
We have submitted our video as part of the application and you can view it by using this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EY2_iHSsDc
My request to you is if you are inclined to help make this happen for us please write a letter of support and send it to the production company.
The address is
Lock & Key Productions
5062 Lankershim Blvd. Suite 3005
North Hollywood..., CA 91601
We need to show that without a doubt that we have the community behind us.
Tell them of YOUR experience with us. Have you volunteered? Known someone that we have helped? What kind of way has our being here touched your life or the lives of those around you?
Every letter, postcard or smoke signal is appreciated.
Thank you!
--
Diane Reeder
Founder, Executive director
The Queens Galley
254 Washington Ave Kingston NY 12401
(845) 338-3468 (v)
(845)901-0341 (m)
www.thequeensgalley.org
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