December 2009

DEAR FRIENDS OF THE CHORUS: 

We’re all aware  of the difficult economy.  We’re all feeling the pinch.  Unfortunately, the AABC is feeling it too.   

We've asked foundations and businesses for money for operating support.  But we’ve gotten only negative responses—they are just overwhelmed with hundreds of requests.   In my conversations with them they told me, “you need to turn to your friends, and to those who believe in your mission, for help; we can’t help you this year.” 

So we must rely on you more than ever right now. 

You may make your donation online, securely, by clicking the DONATE button below. 

Remember - you can double your gift if your employer has a matching gift program. See below for information on gifts of stock & charitable gifts from IRAs.

Your gift this year will ensure that any boy with the desire to learn, the willingness to work hard and the support of his parents can receive the valuable benefits of our highly acclaimed program of leadership training and vocal excellence.  

Since our inception in 1970, our program has been forming a new generation of leaders.  These new leaders—over 1,000 alumni to date—are already at work helping shape the future of our nation. 

Our concerts have reached millions of people in every continent via television and radio broadcasts.  Our boys have represented America and performed to standing ovations all over the world, including Russia, Romania, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany in Europe; the eight largest cities of Japan; and most recently in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.  There have also been 44 concert tours to Canada and within the United States, making the AABC true musical ambassadors.

Our leadership training focuses on individual growth and development in a positive, fun, environment.  Mentoring is a key facet of our curriculum.  Older boys (already experienced veterans at 12 years of age), eagerly vie to be selected to mentor and befriend our new “recruits.” 

Sincerely,

Anthony S. Manrique, Executive Director

P.S.  Your tax-deductible gift will be acknowledged immediately.   It will be a catalyst for us to forge ahead in our efforts to develop one of our nation’s premier musical institutions amidst a philosophy that emphasizes happy, motivated, self-discipline. 

Gifts of Stock

Now is an excellent time of year to consider a gift of stock. A donation of appreciated stock gives you two types of tax savings. 1) A tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of gift; and 2) you avoid paying any capital gains tax on the increase in value of your stock.

Matching Gift Programs

Double your gift - ask your company about its matching gift program!

Tax-Free Charitable Gifts from IRAs

Through December 31, 2009, the reinstatement of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 permits taxpayers age 70 ½ or older to make direct distributions from a traditional or a Roth IRA to a charity, while excluding the distribution from gross income. The maximum distribution allowed is $100,000 per taxpayer per year. The IRA, rather than the IRA owner, must make the distribution directly to the charity. The distribution must qualify under the general charitable deduction rules of section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code, and the charity must be a public charity or conduit private foundation. The All-American Boys Chorus is a qualified charity.

Next Step: Consult your plan administrator, personal attorney, tax advisor, or wealth management advisor to better understand how the distribution requirements apply to you. They will be able to give you guidance on how this temporary law can benefit you and the organizations you care about such as The All-American Boys Chorus.