Sunday, November 16, 2008

Important Message - NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade

NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee

On The Streets Of New York City Since 1762
St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration Committee
P.O. Box 295 Woodlawn Station,
Bronx, NY 10470
Web Site:
NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org


November 7, 2008


Dear Friend of the St. Patrick's Day Parade,

In 1762 -- fourteen years before the birth of our nation -- a group of homesick Irish expatriates and military men stationed in New York City decided to march on Saint Patrick's Day.

Reveling in the freedom that would become the spirit of America, parade participants wore the green, sang Irish songs and played the pipes to Irish tunes … all symbols of pride that were banned in Ireland at the time.

The parade was profoundly meaningful to Irish immigrants who had fled their homeland … but never gave up their faith, culture or heritage. Today, two things remain the same. We are still proudly marching on the streets of New York City, and the Saint Patrick's Day Parade is still a lasting testament to our unwavering pride of being Irish.

And what is truly remarkable is that the awe-inspiring duty of keeping this annual parade alive has been passed from one generation to the next. From fathers to sons, mothers to daughters, organizing the New York Saint Patrick's Day Parade has been done by volunteers … often entire families work together through out the year to make the parade possible.

But what has changed since those original days of merriment are the increasing costs of organizing and hosting the world's oldest and largest parade. What most people don't know is that the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade is completely funded by
donations from generous people like you.

Our great city -- which serves as the majestic backdrop to the parade -- offers no financial subsidies to the Parade despite the fact that the City takes in millions of dollars in tax revenue from Parade participants. We are charged for everything, from reviewing stands to the network airtime that brings the parade to people all over the world.

We have met the challenges every year -- never breaking the 248-year tradition of marching up 5th Avenue on March 17th. But we too are feeling the ripple effects of the worsening economy, which is why we are
turning to you for help.

This year, ask yourself how much is a lifetime of memories worth? How many Saint Patrick's Days have you spent watching your children be awe-struck by the marching bands? How many times have you gotten goose bumps as the sound of the first bagpipes break through the chilly morning air?

If these precious memories hold value for you, then
please make your gift today and help ensure memories for generations to come. Because we are a registered non-profit organization, 100% of your donation is tax-deductible and will help fund the world's oldest and most cherished parade.

From the very first time we marched on Saint Patrick's Day in 1762, the parade has been "by the people, for the people". It is truly the best of our Irish culture, faith and heritage coupled with American freedom. So whether you are from "home" or just Irish for the day, we ask that you be a part of the greatest and oldest tradition in New York City.

Thank you for your generosity.


John Dunleavy - Parade Chairman


PLEASE FORWARD THIS DONATION REQUEST TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Make Your Income Tax Deductible Donation Today
Help Protect the Parade and Its Traditional Values
Visit the Parade Web Site to donate online or
print the donation form at
NYC-St-Patrick-Day-Parade.Org

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