In the early days of the pandemic, I saw the image above. (The artist is Corie Mattie.)

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This image filled me with a kind of hope that I never experienced before; that hope quickly transformed into resilience and a desire to rebuild something in which this community could take pride. While nothing can ever take away the pain that we’ve all experienced for the last few years, I firmly believe that we’re on our way to a renaissance. 

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The exciting part of this journey is that we, collectively as a community, have the power to decide what this renaissance looks like. How do we ascend to new artistic heights? How do we expand our reach? How do we ensure that more voices are heard and celebrated? How do we make change with our storytelling?

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There’s no way we can do this alone. I’m calling upon this community to meet the moment and spare some change so that we can continue to make change:

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• Enhance our programming schedule to bring you more theatre, more often

• Broaden our audience by expanding partnerships to reach historically underserved communities

• Strengthen our infrastructure by engaging new production and administrative support

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I am humbly asking you to consider making a contribution that is meaningful to you. 

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100% of your contribution will be used to ensure that The 5 & Dime’s mission is achieved: to tell stories that engage, inspire, entertain, and challenge audiences, nurturing a rich artistic culture in Jacksonville. 100% of your contribution helps move this community into the renaissance that we all desperately deserve. 

Thank you for your love and support of The 5 & Dime. It’s an extra special experience being able to share our stories with you. I say this often, but I cannot stress enough how true it is: we simply would not be here without your support.

I am wishing you and your loved ones a very beautiful holiday season. I hope that you’ll consider us in your year-end giving plans, and that you’ll join us for Every Brilliant Thing (December 9 - 17 at The Florida Ballet.) 

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All my love and gratitude,