Dear Friend of Ballet Theatre of Maryland,

Angela Olea started dancing at Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s School of Classical and Contemporary Dance when she was 4 years old. Now at age 15, Angela will be performing in her 8th Nutcracker performance, her second as a trainee to the professional company. Her motto is “never focus on your limitation, since you can overcome any that may come your way.”

Angela exemplifies what it means to be a Ballet Theatre of Maryland dancer in so many ways. In the past year, BTM has expanded its horizons to enter into an era of growth with increased artistic achievements and an even stronger presence in the local community and the state.

Annapolis Mayor, Josh Cohen recognized BTM's increased presence when he cut the ceremonial ribbon to our new Merritt Annex studios in Annapolis. This state-of-the-art facility was made possible by the support of so many companies and individuals in our community. In addition, BTM was nominated for Comcast’s Nonprofit of the Year Award in September 2011. And the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County honored Artistic Director Dianna Cuatto as the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Annie Award for her outstanding achievements in the performing arts.

Our community presence is also felt in our outreach and in our school. In the past fiscal year, BTM reached a record number of children through school performances, mini-shows, and outreach performances. The BTM School offers classes in Annapolis, Easton and Brooklyn Park, and enrolls over 500 students. BTM also teaches arts-integrated dance at the Performance and Visual Arts magnet middle schools in Annapolis and Brooklyn Park. We estimate that 15,000 children participated in BTM related activities in the past fiscal year.

BTM manages to accomplish all this and more with no federal support and limited state and local government funding. We still rely on contributed income through supporters like you to fund half of our total budget.  We turn to you, our past donors, participants, and our new supporters and urge you to consider a contribution to BTM today. Your gift will enable BTM to present the best ballet to the state, now and in the future, continuing our tradition of ballet excellence since 1978.

Please help us continue to serve Maryland through our fine performances, our outreach, and our ability to touch the lives of dancers like Angela.  Thank you for your support. We wish you a happy, healthy New Year.

Sincerely,  
Dianna Cuatto, Artistic Director and
William Shipp, Chairman, Board of Trustees                     

How to Give:
Donate online or please use the attached Donor Form.
Be sure to include your address, phone and e-mail address
as well as your affiliation with BTM (patron, parent, alumni, business, etc.)

Cash, Check or Credit Card
Cash gifts make an immediate impact on BTM performances, company, and school.
Gifts for unrestricted use are especiially appreciated because they allow for flexibility when a need arises.

Checks
Please make your checks payable to Ballet Theatre of Maryland and send to:
Ballet Theatre of Maryland
801 Chase Street
Annapolis, MD 21401

Credit Card
Be sure to use the attached Donor Form.

Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Your Donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  You will receive an acknowledgement letter for your contribution.

THANK YOU!  

Other Ways to Give: 
Planned Giving 
Planned giving provides the opportunity for you to continue your support of Ballet Theatre of Maryland while allowing future generations to enjoy BTM as you have. There are a variety of planned giving options available including a bequest, charitable annuity and a gift of retirement fund asset. Each gift offers its own set of financial benefits for you and Ballet Theatre of Maryland and some gifts offer immediate tax deductions. 

Gifts by Bequest
Bequests are a convenient and flexible way to support Ballet Theatre of Maryland. By naming BTM in your will or living trust, you can make a meaningful gift while maintaining control of your assets during life. Your gift to BTM may be either a specified amount of money or a percentage of you estate, or you may include BTM as a contingent beneficiary.

Gifts that Provide Income
A charitable remainder trust allows you to claim a charitable deduction for a portion of your gift when it is made plus you receive an annual income during your lifetime. If you prefer, you can have the income paid to a loved one. These gifts are ideal for Ballet Theatre of Maryland patrons who have highly appreciated stock and would like to receive additional income or provide support for a friend or family member. 

Other Gift Options
There are many other planned giving options that might work with your financial plans. For instance, you can designate BTM as the beneficiary of your retirement plan assets or a life insurance policy. Please contact your financial advisor or Janis Rotner to discuss a legacy gift to BTM that will match your personal financial plans and philanthropic goals.

To learn more about how you may leave a legacy for future dance enthusiasts, please contact Janis Rotner at 410.224.5644.

Gift of Stock
By transferring stock that has appreciated in value as a gift to Ballet Theatre of Maryland, you may deduct the full market value of the stock without incurring a capital gains tax. If you won stock that is worth less now than when you acquired it, it may be worthwhile from a tax standpoint to sell the shares and donate the proceeds to BTM, then declare a capital loss on your income. Contributions at any level may be made in the form of stock and you will receive membership benefits based on the stock’s value at the time it is donated. Please contact Janis Rotner or your investment advisor regarding a gift of stock.

Matching Gifts
Many companies match their employees’ gifts to non-profit organizations. A matching gift could increase your annual donation to BTM by as much as 100%. In some cases, companies will match gifts from retired employees or spouses of members from their board of directors. Please contact your human resources department for information on matching gifts. Fill out the donor portion of your employer’s matching gift form and send it directly to BTM. You will immediately begin receiving benefits at the increased giving level and we will inform you when the matching gift is received.

In-Kind Donations
BTM is always seeking in-kind donations for a variety of needs. Please contact the office at 410.224.5644 for ways in which you can donate in-kind support.