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“Music gives peace to the restless and comforts the sorrowful.
They who no longer know where to turn find new ways,
And those who have despair gain new confidence and love.”
-Pablo Casals
Pablo Casals was one of the most brilliant cellists who ever lived. We the men of the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus find the same feelings and reactions in music as did Pablo Casals. Our mission statement reads, “The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus is dedicate to producing vocal music of high quality in the rich tradition of men’s choral singing. We seek through song not only to entertain, but to enlighten. We sing to create harmony as we celebrate pride in the community and in ourselves.”
Who are the men of the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus? As “Color out of Colorado,” a song we debuted in June 2008 written by Mark Waltrop sys, “We are doctors, lawyers, movers, shakers, friends of neighbors and policy makers.” We are most of all your ambassadors promoting awareness and understanding of our community through the use of long and shared experience of performance. Today, as BGMC President, I am asking for your help for another year!
I am asking that you continue your support of the BGMC by remaining a member of the Friends of the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus. Through your financial gift, our 9th season will be able to accomplish more than our previous 8 seasons. During the past 8 seasons, through your support, we have been able to accomplish:
• Raise much needed funds for Olmstead Conservancy & the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
• We performed a benefit concert at the Buffalo Convention Center to raise funds for wounded Police officer Patty Parete.
• We performed to help raise funds for Habitat for Humanity, AIDS Family Services and the list goes on.
This season we have challenged ourselves to accomplish more for the WNY community than ever before. We began our 2009 season with a performance at the Chautauqua Institute on September 12, 2009 at the Rainbow Pride Conference. Organizers brought together Gays and Lesbians from the Tri-State area to learn about important issues affecting our lives, meet political leaders, share experiences and enjoy the arts..! The BGMC was the highlighted talent for the event. All of this costs money. It is expensive to buy and prepare music as well as take 70+ men “on the road.” We are thrilled to be able to do so much, but we need your continued support in order to continue our Mission.
Please know that every dollar of your contribution funds the efforts and programs of the BGMC. Our office “staff” is 100% volunteer and all fundraising efforts are executed by volunteers. Concert ticket income accounts for 1/3 of our annual budget, therefore your continued support is essential if we are to bring our message to others.
Christopher S. Babbitt
President, BGMC
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