Each June we all marvel at the Jazz in June concerts. As I walk amoung our audience people are so complimentary and appreciative of the acts we bring to town each summer. Those same people are often amazed when I answer some of their questions about how Jazz in June comes about each year.

First, it takes much more than a year. As I write this, the hard working Program Committee has already determined the headliners for Jazz in June 2010...yes, 2010, not 2009--those were decided in the autumn of 2007. It takes 18 to 24 months to plan each and every Jazz in June!

It costs anywhere from $85,000 to $100,000 or more, in cash, to underwrite each year’s festival. When you factor in the in-kind (non-cash) gifts, which save us from spending cash on these items, the budget tops out at around $165,000!

And here is the incredible part--less than 200 donors make Jazz in June a reality each year. That’s right, less than 200. Two hundred donors make it possible for 50,000 people to enjoy Jazz in June. From our largest donor at more than $24,000 to our smallest gift of $10 from one of the Friends of Jazz in June, it all goes together to create our budget. And a small and special group of those visionary donors have gone beyond the year-to-year and become our Legacy Founders and Donors who created our endowment fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

It takes it all, friends. From the dollars pitched into the buckets during the festival, to the annual Jazz in June event, Jazz Around Town, the Friends of Jazz in June campaign and, of course, the major underwriters, it takes everyone’s contribution to create Jazz in June.

Every donation is important. Whether it is the $10 donation from a family or the tens of thousands of dollars given by others, it all becomes the tapestry which is our budget.

In closing, consider this last fact: Most of Jazz in June’s administrative costs are small and all ready in place. This means the only place for new and expanded funding to go is...into the acts we all marvel at each summer.

Want to see Jazz in June grow? Want to see that favorite artist on stage? Then contribute to Jazz in June. Imagine the possibilities if we had 300, 400 or more donors! Give a cash contribution to the Friends of Jazz in June or, if you are a business or corporation in the community, become a major funder (contact the JIJ Development office at 329-8111 or send a donation directly to Jazz in June, P.O. Box 2405, Norman, OK 73070-2405†). Or, make a donation directly to the Jazz in June Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation at occf.org/onlinegiving to insure our festival in perpetuity.

Thank you, friends, for all you have done to make Jazz in June a part of our community!

†Jazz in June, Inc. is a tax exempt, nonprofit organization under the U.S. Tax Code and statutes of the State of Oklahoma. Your cash gift is tax deductible under the U.S. Tax Code.