Ruth: Sing! The world needs more music in it!

When I was 8, I informed my family that I planned to be an opera singer. I wasn't really sure what that was, but apparently it was a job involving singing. That seemed practical and fun at the same time.  My family laughed. I’m still bitter. Well, not really. But singing has continued to give my life an element of beauty and peace, even through the toughest times, and there have been a few (still not bitter… mostly). I joined the Alexandria Singers close to 20 years ago, and found a family and safe place to share my love of singing and my creative/quirky side with the community and with each other. At a time when the world is increasingly scary and negative, the arts make life seem hopeful. Peace seems possible. Arts programs are being defunded and slashed at a time when we need them the most.

This is the hard part. I DESPISE asking for money.  I’m really really bad at it. Once I was tasked with fundraising for my daughters’ school and a man who annually gave a substantial donation, said I was so bad at it, I almost talked him out of it. But I must swallow my discomfort (gulp) and ask if you are willing to donate $2 or $5 or $1,000,000 (I mean you never know) so we can continue to raise our voices in song for our community. Thank you.