Join us to celebrate the OLLI 10-Year Anniversary Event

Date & Time: Wednesday March 24th, 2010 9:30 am

Dear OLLI Members,

We are invited to attend a special event to celebrate the 10-year Anniversary of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UMass Boston. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in the Ballrooms, Campus Center, UMass Boston. To commemorate this significant milestone, we will establish a 10-year Anniversary Fund to ensure that our program enjoys continued growth with a more solid financial foundation. Please become a Friend of OLLI by making a tax-deductible donation to this fund.

Since its inception in 1999, OLLI at UMass Boston has strived to offer the best possible learning experiences at the lowest possible cost. We now are the largest lifelong learning program in Greater Boston - and one of the least inexpensive. We provide over 100 courses, brownbag presentations, and other offerings each year. Our dedicated facilitators and the enthusiasm of our members greatly contribute to the growth of OLLI. Almost 700 members from over 80 cities/town in Massachusetts are now part of this vibrant "community of learners."

Why do we need your financial support? Your annual membership fee covers OLLI's day-to-day operating expenses. The university pays for the salary and benefits of the OLLI's Director and provides many in-kinds such as classrooms, electricity, and janitorial services. The annual interest from the Osher Endowment Fund pays for a small paid staff of part-time workers and other expenses. OLLI is in a good standing to obtain an additional endowment from the Osher Foundation in the near future. One of the key criteria to be considered for this fund is a demonstration of members' commitment to the program in a form of financial support. Your contributions, even a small amount, will enhance our possibility of receiving more funding.

We have been able to maintain the same membership fees since 2007. With the uncertainty of the state's future funding and the low return rate of the Endowment Fund, we need to develop a rainy-day fund primarily designated for capital expenditures, such as updated audio/visual equipment for our classrooms and office. We also need additional funds to furnish a new classroom for which we will have exclusive use during the day from 9:30-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday.

If you appreciate how much OLLI enriches your life, one way you can show your appreciation is by becoming a Friend of OLLI. Please make a donation to the 10-Year Anniversary Fund by sending your check or by paying with a credit card by filling out the enclosed event registration form. Gifts of any size are gladly accepted and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Contributions to OLLI made in memory of deceased family members or friends, or to honor someone or mark a special occasion, are also welcome. An alternative or supplement to a direct cash contribution could be the donation of securities. There is a tax advantage for most contributors because the current value of the securities is deductible, so if the securities have appreciated, the contributors avoid capital-gains tax. Another alternative is to include OLLI as a beneficiary in your will or trust. Contributors will be listed as Friends of OLLI in the program on March 24 (unless contributors prefer to remain anonymous), and identified in three categories:

• Benefactor-contribution of $250 or more
• Patron-contribution of $100 or more
• Supporter-contribution of $50 or more
• Donor-contribution of $49 or less

We are making this personal appeal to you for the first time because your support will help to sustain our program. Thank you in advance for your consideration. We look forward to seeing you at our 10-Year Anniversary Event.

Sincerely,

Wichian Rojanawon, Ph.D. Director, OLLI at UMass Boston

Diane McCormack, MEd. Chair, OLLI Board of Directors

To register for the 10-Year Anniversary event or contribute to the 10-Year Anniversary Fund, please click here.