Help Us Make the Kerrville Folk Festival Non-Profit

The Texas Folk Music Foundation (TFMF) has launched a capital fundraising campaign to buy the festival related assets of the Kerrville Folk Festival, Inc. (KFF) and take responsibility for putting on the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Wine and Music Festival.  The TFMF Board believes this will assure the long-term future and success of TFMF and provide a greater level of financial security and funding options for the two Festivals run by KFF.  The KFF and TFMF Boards and officers believe that the Festivals are a public interest, nonprofit activity and are better suited for non-profit legal status to gain the many advantages of being formally organized as a 501(c)(3).

The Kerrville Folk Festival, recently celebrating its 36th year, is the longest-running event of its kind in the United States and is supported by a large and highly motivated volunteer workforce.  TFMF intends that attendees, volunteers, performers and other friends will see no change to the "Kerrville experience" at the festivals as a result of the change in organization.  As part of a non-profit organization, the Festivals will see increased ability to seek and accept grants, donations, and other benefits not available to for-profit entities.

TFMF already has a firm commitment for a substantial portion of the necessary funds.  With this campaign, we are raising an additional $40,000 in matching funds from TFMF supporters and Festival attendees, sponsors and friends so that TFMF can fully fund the purchase of KFF festival assets and complete the transition to non-profit status.

This represents a unique opportunity for the Kerrville family and any interested donor.  By joining with TFMF in this endeavor, you will help assure the financial viability of TFMF and the Festivals for the future.  Since TFMF is a 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is tax deductible.

TFMF is seeking donations through the end of 2007, with a goal of completing the transaction in early 2008.  KFF, its Board of Directors and its stockholders support the move to legal non-profit status.  Quiet Valley Ranch, Inc., which owns the property where the Festivals are held, is also fully supportive of the TFMF taking this step.

Donations marked "Festival Capital Campaign" will be held in a special fund until the transaction is completed; and in the event it does not close, will be returned to the donor upon request.  Donations towards the capital fund should be sent to:

Texas Folk Music Foundation
P.O. Box 290744
Kerrville, TX 78029-0744

All donations are tax-deductible, and each donation will be acknowledged with a letter from TFMF.

Anyone interested in assisting in other ways with this effort may contact Michael D’Eath, Vice Chairman of theTexas Folk Music Foundation at the above address or by Email: mdeath@miragenetworks.com.

 

Saving the World One Song at a Time!

2nd Kerrville Music Camp a Smash:  "The last night . . . everyone was crying, but happy crying."

The second Kerrville Music Camp for Teens was held at Quiet Valley Ranch in July for youth ages 13-18. 

This year two separate sessions were offered to teens from very diverse settings from Texas to Boston. Activities included song structure, rhyming, rhythm, writing lyric poetry, songwriting, open mic every night and canoeing with a twist.  The Camp’s themeis "finding your voice through music."

Faculty for the camp were Kerrville Artists Sara Hickman, Kelly Mulhollan, Donna Stjerna, Rachel Garlin and Annie Wenz leading songwriting and music instruction activities at Threadgill Theater and Kidsville; Jena Gessaman and Tim Mason leading lyrical poetry sessions; and Bill Oliver and Frank Meyers leading canoe trips with musical twists on the Guadalupe River.

This is a cooperative effort between the TFMF, Kerrville Folk Festivals, and Boys & Girls Club. For more information contact Jon Charles, jcharles@bgclubcc.org.

Annie Wenz leads a session at Kidsville

 

TFMF Festival Booth Revenues

The TFMF Booth at the Spring Festival generated more than $21,000 in revenue from the Silent Auction, Guitar Raffle, Kerrville Music Camp sponsors and new Friends of the TFMF.  Special thanks go out to Steve Carruthers, Francie and Jon Charles, Cheryl Green and Marghi Allen for staffing the Silent Auction, Guitar Raffle and Friends Tables.  Also thanks to our Silent Auction sponsors for all the great items. 

Three Taylor Guitars were generously donated to the Foundation: a Baby Taylor, a Taylor 214, and a Taylor 414ce.