| Dear Bernard, Season's Greetings from everyone at Folk Alley! For many of us, this time of year is a peaceful time to reflect on the people and things that have brought us joy and happiness over the past year. Whether you are new to Folk Alley - having recently discovered us - or a longtime listener, we sincerely hope that you consider this service a bright spot in your day. As we begin our Year-End Holiday Campaign to raise $25,000 by December 22nd, we hope you will remember Folk Alley as an important part of your day, every day of the year, and consider supporting the music you love with a financial gift at whatever level fits your budget. Think of your support of Folk Alley as a gift to yourself (and to others) that you will enjoy year round. Folk Alley relies on the generosity of our listeners to fund nearly 90% of our modest $275,000 annual operating budget. Every last penny we receive from you goes directly towards sustaining this service so we can bring you great folk music 24 hours a day. We're a 501(c) 3, non-profit service, staffed by a lean team of individuals who are as passionate about supporting folk music and seeing it thrive, as you are about listening and discovering new music. When we launched Folk Alley six years ago, we saw the Internet providing an opportunity to finally allow listeners access to folk radio 24/7 - whenever you wanted to listen. Our goal ever since has been for Folk Alley to serve as a bridge that connects eager listeners to quality, authentic music they crave - whether from familiar artists or new discoveries. We welcome financial gifts at any amount that fits your budget. We are deeply grateful for all support no matter the size, however if a $60 gift fits your budget, you will receive special member benefits that include: - Members-only access to our fund drive-free music streams when you log-in and listen directly from our homepage;
- Exclusive member-only downloadable website content including exclusive in-studio song performances in our Extras area, and many of our Live From Folk Alley concerts;
- 20% discount on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings;
- Free live music downloads from Festivalink.net;
- A subscription to our members only e-bulletins that will include special discounts and promotions on newly released CDs, festival tickets, and more;
- Discounts on national hotels and car rentals.
If $90 or above fits your budget, in addition to all the member benefits outlined, we have an assortment of 'thank you gifts' available including: a Folk Alley reusable shopping bag, and a choice of CDs, including: Sam Bush's new CD, Circles Around Me; the new release by the Dave Rawlings Machine – A Friend of a Friend; our 2-CD set, Live from Folk Alley – 5th Anniversary Concert featuring: David Francey and Harry Manx; the new live CD from the Wailin' Jennys – Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House and more.
At $120 ($10 a month) – we have our new Folk Alley t-shirt for you; and at $240 ($20 a month) – there's a cozy Folk Alley sweatshirt available.
As an extra way to say `thank you' to our listeners, everyone who donates or submits a pledge form before Wednesday, Dec. 9th at 11:59 pm (EST/-5GMT) will be entered into a special drawing to receive a Box of 25 Folk CDs. You will also be automatically entered into our Grand Prize Drawings to win a Yamaha F-325 guitar, an 8GB iPod Touch, or another chance at a Box of CDs.
Again, our goal is to raise $25,000 by Dec. 22nd. We've even made donating easy for you on our secure website with various payment options from which to choose - whether it be with a credit card in monthly installments or a one-time payment, or via PayPal, or check. Because we have 501(C)3 non-profit status, donations from our US listeners are tax deductable to the extent allowed by the law. We sincerely hope Folk Alley has been a source of joy for you this past year, and we look forward to having you with us in 2010! Happy Holidays from everyone at Folk Alley! | 
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