A Letter from Dan Lunsford, SART Board President

Dear Friends,

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) has a dear place in my heart. I know many of you feel the same way. From serving as President of Mars Hill University to my current role as SART's Board President, watching SART develop over the years has been a distinct pleasure. I remember my first experience with SART in 1999, when I returned to (then) Mars Hill College. Now, 25 years later, I have witnessed a quarter century of high-quality theatrical productions, and even been in a few background roles! Furthermore, as a community resident and now board member, I can personally speak to the richness and cultural significance SART adds to the Madison County, Mars Hill University, and greater Western North Carolina. Not only do shows at SART entertain, move and enrich; We, as audience members, are challenged with a variety of other perspectives at SART productions - they make us think!

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre brings immense cultural and economic value to the local community in a number of ways. As we end our 50th season, I would like to humbly ask for you to join us as we take on SART's Season 50 Challenge Campaign. We have a lead gift of $2,000. SART needs your help to continue its mission of uplifting our local heritage and providing arts opportunities to Madison County and beyond. As many arts institutions are forced to shut down for lack of funding, SART aims to be able to hire and retain high-quality staff who are dedicated to this theatre's mission, and every contribution is vital to this goal.

So, as we reflect on the past with appreciation, and look upon the exciting possibilities of SART's future; I ask you to make a donation to the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, to ensure that the theatre can continue for generations to come. I thank you for your continued support of this organization, and want you to know that I am thankful for each and every one of you. You may give online or mail your contribution to SART, PO Box 1720, Mars Hill, NC 28754.

Please join us in looking to the future!

With appreciation,

Dan Lunsford

President, SART Board of Directors