Royal Oak High School                                               
1500 Lexington Blvd. 
Royal Oak, MI 48073-2400
248-4358500

May 29, 2009   

Dear Performing Arts Patron, 

I have a serious problem that I would like to address with you today – in particular, the sad and serious state of the Royal Oak High School auditorium.  I, as well as countless performing arts patrons, have many fond and wonderful memories of our multiple concerts and plays at the high school.  When I look at the young faces of my elementary students I feel very sad that the last years of their musical/drama experience will be marked with an auditorium that is in such disrepair that a whole row had to be removed, so that they could be used for parts.  You see, due to the age of the seating in the auditorium, there are no parts available to fix the chairs that are currently broken.  The performing arts students of the future in Royal Oak deserve the opportunity to make their own lasting memories, in an auditorium that they can be proud of and that will compare to the many high schools in our area. 

As I am sure you may have heard, there have been may cut-backs in the Royal Oak School District, in particular losing two teachers in the music program alone.  I have been told that there is no money in the district to repair our auditorium.  So I have taken it upon myself to enlist some wonderful volunteers to help me raise the needed $100,000 to begin the repairs in the auditorium.  You see, the cost of one chair equals $200.  I know the total amount we need seems out of reach, but I believe we can do it by having two very unique benefit concerts all in one weekend. 

Our vision is to kick off the benefit weekend with an Alumni Concert on stage at the Royal Oak Middle School on Friday, July 31^st.  The evening would start with hors d’oeuvres party in the commons area from 6:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.  The concert would then start at 7:30 p.m. featuring alumni from the City of Royal Oak.  The cost of a ticket is $25 per seat.  All other monies donated to this worthy cause may be used for personal tax donation purposes, with the exception of the $25 ticket price.  Can’t make it to the concert, but would love to help?  Buy a chair for the cost of $225, which would allow us to show our appreciation by placing a plate on the chair acknowledging your contribution.  (Of course, the plate would have to be approved by our Board of Ed.) Or why not buy two chairs for $500 and we’ll throw in a pair of concert tickets on the house. 

Our second concert will be a Rock Concert in the football stadium on Saturday, August 1^st from 12:00 noon – 9:30 p.m.  We will be featuring rock bands from all over the Metro Detroit area.  Each band will play one set, approx. 40 minutes in length.  Our hope is to set up two platforms so that we may keep the music flowing to accommodate for set up, etc.  The admission price to this concert is $20, which will enable the concertgoer an all day pass.  Once you come in, you may not leave and re-enter. 

So as you can see, we need your help!  We would love for you buy a seat or two, or just come to one or both of the concerts. 

Even though this is a very scary endeavor to undertake, we feel that we have always had the support of the Royal Oak Community.  This is the time that we really need to come together for such a worthy cause.  I know times art tough for everyone.  But if we collectively come together, WE CAN DO THIS! 

If you are interested in donating money or buying tickets for the Alumni Concert and/or Rock Concert, please either email me at buffad@royaloakschools.com by Friday, June 12, 2009 or send a check to the above address.  All checks should be made payable to Royal Oak High School, with Benefit Concert noted on the menu line. 

Your greatest gesture would be to unite with me in music and show your support for our current and future performers in Royal Oak! 

Yours in the Performing Arts,  

Deborah Buffa
Choir Director – Royal Oak High School