If you are reading this, that means that you have been invited to become a Grand Patron of the 2018 San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival (SMWC). Since 2005, this remarkable annual international gathering has been produced by the San Miguel Literary Sala, a tiny yet mighty local nonprofit organization.
In addition to producing SMWC, the Literary Sala provides extensive literary and literacy programming in and around San Miguel de Allende.
Our vision and mission of “Literacy and Literature for All!” is neither easy nor free. Multiple outreach programs are underwritten from the proceeds, all of which benefit local families and strengthen the social fabric of San Miguel de Allende and the surrounding villages.
This year, your support is more important than ever as the popularity of our little mountain town pushes all of our expenses skyward (many increasing by 15–20%).
Please note: If you have already purchased a package or keynote tickets, or recently renewed your Sala membership, we will happily adjust the donation amount for you to become a Grand Patron.
Since the program’s inception in 2015, Grand Patrons have made significant contributions to sustaining educational and literary initiatives throughout the city of San Miguel de Allende and in many of the area’s indigenous villages.
Your dollars serve as the foundation for programs and results like these:
Literacy and literary programs doubled at Sala Literaria Bellas Artes under the expert guidance of our full-time bilingual director, Armida Zepeda.
A second year-round teacher was hired for the “My First Book” reading appreciation program for village children, aged 4–7.
Your financial support made it possible for us to maintain our presence in Bellas Artes when we received an unexpected and hefty increase in our monthly financial obligations for rent and the percentage of proceeds required from all on-site events.
Here’s an individual story of success: One remarkably shy winning writer in the 2014 teen workshop (held annually during the Conference) received the attention and support of a patron and is now attending law school in León, Gto!
2018 Grand Patron benefits for contributions of $750 usd per person:
Tickets to attend all seven spectacular keynote presentations.
Reserved Seat in the first few rows for every keynote you attend in the Hotel Real de Minas Ballroom (2:00 PM or 6:30 PM, Feb. 14–18).
Invitation to the Tables of Content Gala* — an elegant evening and sumptuous meal in an exquisite private home. Dine with your favorite Keynote Presenter on Saturday, February 17, 2018, immediately follows the 6:30 PM keynote address by Joseph Boyden, author of the 2018 Big Read: Through Black Spruce.
Literary Sala Contributing Membership.
Invitation to the Private Celebration for Top Donors with Keynote Presenters on Thursday, February 15 at 8:00 PM (in a gorgeous private home), immediately following Rita Dove’s keynote presentation.
Recognition in the 2018 Patron/Sponsor slide show preceding each keynote.
* Tables of Content Gala: Keynote presenters will host each table. With whom would you most like to dine? We plan 8-10 seats per table. The earlier I receive your table host preferences and donation, the more likely your top choices will be available.
When you confirm your participation via an email to me, please list the three keynote speakers with whom you’d most like to be seated:
The children, teens, and adults we serve appreciate your generosity more than you might imagine. Education multiplies their likelihood of success in a rapidly changing world.
Below my signature, I’ve outlined three easy ways you may complete your donation. Thank you for your continued support.
Warm best wishes,
Maia
Vice-President, San Miguel Literary Sala, A.C.
Co-Director, San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival
Publisher/Editor, CROSSROADS cultural arts magazine
Founder/Host, Poetry Café Bellas Artes
Within MX: 415.152.3905 From US/CA: 415.324.5020
Regardless of the month you choose to donate, please confirm your participation now by replying to me with your top 3 choices for your keynote table host, and indicate if you expect to donate in 2017 or by January 15, 2018:
If a U.S. tax deduction would be beneficial, choose option #1 or #2:
1) Check payable to San Miguel Community Foundation
Memo line: San Miguel Literary Sala
Delivered to:
La Conexión behind Café Monet. Attn: M. Williams, Box 526
Or by post to:
San Miguel Literary Sala
Attn: M. Williams, Box 526
220 North Zapata Hwy.
Laredo, TX 78043
2) Pay online by credit card:
Note in comment box: San Miguel Literary Sala
3) Deliver your donation directly to the Literary Sala:
a) Check payable in USD to San Miguel Literary Sala, delivered /mailed to the locations listed under option 1
b) Use Online Form
