Petey and George Semmens This past year has been an active one at the Bonifas Arts Center helped by the generous support of our community. Our new year began July 1st and that means it is membership renewal time. The Bonifas services the community of the Central Upper Peninsula and this community membership provides a large portion of our budget. The distribution of funds from state and federal agencies is spread very thin so we are more depended on you to maintain the programs, gallery exhibits, classes and many other various activities. Maintenance of our beautiful building and upgrading of office equipment, as well as serving the public with experienced personnel all add to the cost of carrying on. This year the grant applied for by Players to fund the Missoula Children's Theatre did not come through and the performance we about to be cancelled. It was through the generosity of service organizations and individuals that the Tales of Hans Christiansen Anderson production survived. Our connection to the community worked. Our Center brochure defines our membership levels and suggestions offering alternative methods of giving. Call for your copy, or fill out the form in our newsletter. Please also check to see if your employer is a Matching Funds Company. The Bonifas Arts Center is dependent upon your support to remain the complete art center, Connected to the Community, offering opportunity to all. Sincerely, Petey and George Semmens, Co Chairs 2008 Campaign BIO: Chairmanship of this year's membership drive at the Bonifas Arts Center is shared by George and Petey Semmens of Escanaba. George, a retired Forester, was stationed here in the sixties. The couple has been resident in Escanaba "from '61 to '67, and then we were back in '79 when we retired," Petey said. This year's campaign motto is "Connected to the Community", and the Semmenses are definitely connected. Besides time spent on the Bonifas Board, one or both is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Bay de Noc Choral Society, Kiwanis Golden K, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. They attend First Presbyterian Church. "We're happy to be a part of this community, and glad that it continues to support the Bonifas so well," Petey said. "I guess we'd like to invite anyone who isn't a member to join now." Membership is just $35 per year, or $50 for a family, she said. Joining entitles members to discounts on classes and events, subscription to the Bonifas' ArtNews, and mailings of all notifications of events. >> Campaign Chair Archive: >> 2006 >> 2005 >> 2004 >> 2003