Thank You for Your Support! The Illinois Association of Museums launched its first annual fund drive recently in an effort to continue our vital role in the museum community. As you are aware, the Illinois Association of Museum lost funding for paid staff and had to shift rapidly from an institution partially supported by the state to an entirely independent nonprofit organization. Your financial support has been critical in helping with this transition. We appreciate your generosity and hope that you will continue to help us as we move forward. To date, we have received roughly $3,000 in contributions, and a pledge to match dollar for dollar, the first $5,000 that we raise. Your ongoing support will ensure that the Illinois Association of Museums emerges as a fully independent institution dedicated to promoting best practices, providing professional development and advocating for Illinois museums of all sizes and types. We have an exciting year ahead of us. Plans are under way for a new, more effective Museum Day in Springfield. Our Annual Conference in Bloomington-Normal, September 30-October 2, promises to be our biggest and best to date. Despite the financial difficulties of the current year, our future looks bright. Thank you for your generosity and your kind words during these challenging times. We could not do it without you. Sincerely, David M. Oberg President Illinois Association of Museums If you have not yet donated, but would like to, please send your check payable to the Illinois Association of Museums to: Niki Ryan Illinois Association of Museums 1 Old State Capitol Plaza Springfield, IL 62701 Please help us meet our goal of $5000 so we can double our money through the generous matching pledge of our anonymous donor!