07/14/2020
Dear All, July 14, 2020
I hope all is well with you.
During this COVID-19 pandemic, there are many people and organizations that need help. If you’re like me, I know you are doing what you can to help those in great need. At the same time, I want to share with you an organization that I have been very passionate about.
The Purple Silk Music Education Foundation (PSMEF) is an Oakland-based nonprofit that teaches Chinese music through playing Chinese instruments, singing and Chinese opera. PSMEF supports music education for low-income inner-city youth. . PSMEF serves many students in Oakland as well as in San Francisco. During this pandemic, PSMEF has continued teaching their students through virtual classes.
PSMEF will finish the school year in June and would like to continue with the schools in the Fall. Regular sources of income such as grants will be severely limited; Spring and Winter concerts, performances and the annual fundraising gala will not be held. Tuition will not be forthcoming because many parents have lost their jobs.
This program offers more than just music lessons. For many low-income students, school is a hardship. Many students come into the program, unfocused, lacking discipline and not challenged to engage in school. PSMEF Coaches guide them to achieve in small steps to be an integral part of the school community. But what reaches me and touches my heart is the empowerment this type of program gives to these students. If you can see the progression from a shy, no confidence kid to becoming a proud assured adolescent, you will know PSMEF gave them a foundation to make something of themselves. Many of the students go on to graduate from college. I shudder to think that if PSMEF didn’t guide them, where would they be?
The students need this program. I personally feel that I must do what I can to have this legacy continue. Therefore, I am asking you, my friend and supporter of the arts, to donate a generous amount to help these students. During this pandemic, children are just as unsettled as we adults are. Having music lessons helps with the new normal, gives the children the discipline and focus that they crave.
Please log onto their website, Purplesilk.org, to get more information and to see videos of their performances. For your convenience, you can donate on line. If you prefer to write a check, please
use the form attached to this letter. Our tax ID number is 94-3319190.
Thank you for listening to me and thank you in advance for your donation.
Warmly,
Sherlyn Chew
Please fill out the needed information. Make your check payable to PSMEF. Mail the form and check to 484 Lake Park Avenue, Suite 366, Oakland, CA 94610.
Yes, I want to support the children. Please accept my gift of
__$500 ___$250 ___$150 ___$100 ___$50 other ____
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