During the first 30 days of the campaign, its silent phase, we raised over $5,000 in donations and pledges from our board of directors and fundraising activities. We're a quarter of the way toward our goal and we've just begun! This year's board is nothing short of awesome and inspiring. Most board members give at least 10 hours a month to the organization. Executive committee members give nearly 20 hours a month. And the board president-well, we consider him part time staff! I'm including brief informaiton on each of these wonderful folks at the end of this letter.
 
For years, the Neighborhoods of Greater Lauraville has been 100 percent grant-funded. Through sources such as the Abell Foundation, Baltimore City, the Enterprise Foundation, the Goldseker Foundation, and the Baltimore Community Foundation we have been able to focus on revitalizing Harford Road and its surrounding residential communities. These funders have been intimately involved with our organization for over 12 years. Now they are quite reasonably asking that we seek a portion of our operating funds from local residents and area stakeholders as well.
 
I hope you will consider joining this effort. Your donation will enable us to continue to lead these critically important efforts:
 
·         Preserving and enhancing the quality of life in northeast Baltimore by       fighting for more rigorous controls of group homes at the City and State level.
·         Securing much-needed loan funds for new businesses along Harford Road to renovate older buildings and successfully operate their businesses.
·         Offering Healthy Neighborhoods resources that encourage homeowner property investment and stabilize real estate values during the current challenging economic climate.
·         Promote tax credit applications for commercial and residential property rehab.
·         Organize events like the Home and Garden Tour, the Greater Lauraville Fair, and our Annual Meeting.
·         Offer resources to local families facing foreclosure.
·         Work with local artists to ensure the funkiness that is Greater Lauraville continues to be a central part of who we are.
·         Address nuisance property issues at the neighborhood level.
·         Promote Herring Run Park as a reason why you want to live, work, and play in Greater Lauraville.

Friday Evening, December 5th beginning at 6pm:
Music on the streets
Music on Fire Escape at Hamilton Arts Collective, 5440 Harford Road
Art opening & sale at The Hamilton Gallery, 2927 Hamilton Avenue
DJ at Harvest Fare parking lot - big sale - search lights
Restaurant & Pub Crawl all along Harford Road
The Warming Station at Falafel House on Wisteria Avenue

Carolers!

Saturday Afternoon, December 6th beginning at 12 noon:
12pm - Santa arrives in antique fire truck at 5440 Harford Road
1:15 pm - Santa arrives at Harford Road & Montebello Terrace
2:30pm - Santa arrives 4711 Harford Road - last stop!
Activities for the Kids!
Write 'letters to Santa' at Red Canoe before Santa arrives!
Make a holiday hat at The Hamilton Gallery and sing along with Rebecca Slavin!
Pictures with Santa care of Soft Touch Photography by Cynthia at The Parkside and Great Soul Wellness Studio!
Ride the Holly Trolley - from 12-6 pm Saturday only
18 passenger bus will pick up and drop off along Harford Road
Leave your car at home!
Pick up your Travel Brochure on the Trolley!
Free transportation from 12-6pm!
Stop & Shop at our retail stores!
Purchase Merchant Gift Basket raffle tickets at participating shops!
Get off the Trolley for lunch or dinner!
Look for our logo at participating businesses!
Merchant Gift Basket Raffle winner announced at 6pm on Saturday!