Supporting the arts

Dear Readers,

This issue is my favorite issue of the year! Being a huge supporter of the arts, I love having the annual schedules of events/shows at my fingertips! Please be certain to save the pullout section and by all means support the arts in St. Louis. I know that every one of us has had to adjust our budgets due to challenging economic times, and I know that entertainment is often the first thing to get cut. However, I think we need some entertainment to make these times bearable! Whether you attend a concert, see a play to go to the movies, don’t forget to budget some time and money to enjoy life.

Speaking of difficult economic times, I am very clear many of us find ourselves struggling to keep our businesses afloat. Sometimes our supporters do not like the adjustment or changes we make to broaden our customer base. That being said, rather than be upset about the changes, it is more important than ever to support these businesses. Small businesses, the arts, and service groups are the ones who need all the help we can give them.

If you are like me, I have high hopes for the elections this November. I am also a realist and know it will not change overnight. If ever there has been a time, it is now. We need each other’s help to get through this time of economic crisis.

On a lighter note, I am both proud and humbled to be awarded the Human Rights Campaign’s Individual Equality Award. This award will be bestowed on me at their annual gala on September 20, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency at Union Square. I am also honored to be in the company of COLAGE, who is the Organization Equality Award Winner!

Til next issue,
Pam Schneider