Dear Friend of the Festival of Books:
As the founder of the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books, I want to update you on circumstances that may impact our ability to host the Festival. For several years, the UW-Waukesha Campus was able to provide financial support to the Festival of Books. Unfortunately, due to recent budget cuts imposed on the UW System and decreasing enrollments, UW-Waukesha is no longer able to provide that level of support which represented about one-third of the budget.
In order to continue to host the Festival, the UW-Waukesha Foundation will need to fill the gap left by the campus. I have pledged to personally double my Festival of Books donation this year. I ask that you consider a financial contribution to the Festival, so we can continue to offer this great literary opportunity to southeastern Wisconsin.
Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has prided itself on being a celebration of all things literary. It has been an event that is free to the public – an annual community event that has made hundreds of artists and authors like Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff, Kris Radish, Michael Perry, Jane Hamilton and Kathie Giorgio available to southeastern Wisconsin.
Your timely response is needed to determine the future of the Festival of Books. Donations may be sent to the UW-Waukesha Foundation, Attn: SEWI Bookfest, 1500 N. University Dr., Waukesha, WI, 53188. To donate online click here. If you tell us you will be supporting the Festival of Books, we can begin planning.
We would also welcome your involvement on one of the committees that helps bring the event together or as a volunteer during the Festival. The committees include: Program, Marketing/Communications, Sponsorships/Fundraising, Authors/Presenters Reception, Essay Contest or Hospitality. Please contact wakfoundation@uwc.edu if you would like to be involved.
Thank you for your consideration of sustaining this collaboration that has done so much to expand the literary and artistic offerings in southeastern Wisconsin.
For more information about the SEWI Festival of Books go to our website: http://www.sewibookfest.com/
Sincerely,
Laraine O’Brien
Founder
Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books
