Boston, 26/02/2006

Dear friends:
We are a group of young Albanians, who with the initiative of Bashkim Braho, a well-known dancer and choreographer, and also a great mentor, have been able to form an Albanian Folk dance group. This group has performed in cultural events since 1996. At the same time we have taken on a very important and valuable mission and your help and support is needed.

The goal of this dance group, which is now known in the community as “Bashkimi” dance group, has, and will always be to preserve Albanian culture, traditions and folklore. Through these efforts, which include performances in cultural events such as the Annual Albanian Festival in NY, Annual Flag Day Celebrations in Boston and other self-funded concerts in cooperation with other known Albanian artists, these cultural resources will be passed on to future generations of Albanians.

Traditional folk dance is one mean of achieving this goal. Through the beautifully choreographed dances the public does not only enjoy the movements and expressions, but also the music and the colorful costumes. The latter are a very important and crucial part of the dance itself. Today's market value for a traditional Albanian folk costume ranges from 300- 1000 dollars. Until now the group has managed to secure a few costumes simply by funding these purchases themselves. Considering the fact that the majority of the dancers are students, the dance group does not have the means or resources to afford future purchases. This is where your help and support is greatly needed.

We strongly believe that the existence of these events is very important for our community, which is expanding, for the sole reason that it brings them closer and keeps them connected to part of their culture that has been treasured for thousands of years. Albanian dances, songs, with traditional costumes are live festivals of rich traditional folklore. Through them we bring to you Albanian culture at its best. This gives today’s Albanian and Albanian-American youth the opportunity to learn about and embrace their traditions and therefore stay in touch with their heritage. The goal is not to forget our identity and our traditions.

If you consider this cause as valuable as we do and would like to help please do not hesitate in making a donation. Now is the time! Such gestures will help us continue the honorable cause of preserving Albanian culture and heritage. More specifically your generous donation will help towards purchasing the necessary costumes and funding future cultural events.
For more information regarding the donations please refer to the attached Donation Form.

Sincerely,
Bashkimi Dance group

INDIVIDUAL DONATION FORM                                                     
Yes! I want to donate to the "Bashkimi" Dance Group!
Please complete the form and enclose it with your payment, payable to Bashkimi Dance Group.
Mail to:
Bashkimi Dance Group, P.O.Box 15582, Boston, MA 02215.
Please do not send cash.
Please note that the information below is optional. It would only be used by "Bashkimi Dance Group" to notify you of upcoming cultural events as well as how your contribution helped the dance group.

Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP Code: _____________________________________________________
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E-mail address: __________________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: $ _______________________
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