When I last wrote about the Bazaar Cafe it was to tell you all that it was in danger of closing for want of $7,000. I could weep at the power of the people and what it can do in the spirit of generosity and love. I offer you here the thank you note, a definite love letter, written by Les and Makiko to the people who saved them and the cafe that is the center of so much creativity in San Francisco's Richmond district.
"From Gloom to Sunshine A tale of generosity and love
With great thanks and deep humility we are happy to tell you that through your kindness we surpassed the goal of raising $7000.00 by today. As of this hour, two hundred twelve of you have donated a total of $20,457.25!As I begin to write I find that I am struggling to find words to adequately express our appreciation to all of you. The words “thank you” seem small in measure for what you have done for us, but let’s start with that… THANK YOU.
In a nation with a fourteen trillion dollar economy, seven thousand or twenty thousand dollars is a spit in the ocean. For us, though, it is as big as the ocean itself. Your outpouring of kindness and support for us and for this little place we love so has done much more than lift an oppressive burden… it has inspired and energized us. A fair question would be: “Having raised almost three times what you needed, what will you do with the extra money?”We will not be heading off to Paris. We will not be dining at Masa’s, Mozart or Chez Panisse. First, we will be able to discharge other outstanding café obligations, which, while not as pressing as today’s needs, are nonetheless out there. They will be gone, thanks to you. As well, there are repair and maintenance issues at the café that have been deferred… repaired and improved lighting for the garden and improved signage as just two small examples. They will now be taken care of. And, importantly, we will have a buffer in reserve for cash flow during slow times.
Going forward, we have exciting plans aimed at better ensuring solvency for the café. Several special benefit concerts are in the works. Also, we have established a tax-exempt nonprofit foundation, “Bazaar Foundation for the Arts, Inc.” The foundation, when funded, will be able to assist the café by sponsoring some of our music events. In addition, the foundation will be funding concerts at schools, libraries and other nonprofit and for profit spaces by paying, thus supporting, local songwriters and other musicians. It’s all about community. We hope the foundation will be funded through corporate donations as well as other, larger nonprofits and individuals. The foundation is in its infancy, just recently certified by the IRS and State, and while the web site is a work in progress, you can find out more about it.
A special thank you to Silvia Borelli for her assistance (and push) in getting our appeal off the ground. Thanks, too, to Mario DeSio, Robin Galante, Juliana Gallin, Dr. Bill Pezzaglia and others for setting Facebook and the rest of the internet on fire.Finally, let me say, while we know that life can seem harsh at times and the world a pretty crass place, we know, too, that there is another side. You have shown that in great measure through your kind generosity, support and love. We will never forget what you have done for us and for the café. Ever.
Les
and Makiko - Bazaar Café
January 3, 2012"
And, let me say that sometimes an email love letter is what we need when to thank so many people. This love letter has everything; love, gratitude, specifics, and a promise for the future. I hope, if you are someone who came to the Bazaar Cafe rescue, you will print out a copy of this love letter and keep it in your treasure box. In generations to come, someone will know you took a step to preserve a small but mighty San Francisco institution whose reach is deep and broad when it comes to sharing the rich cultural abundance that is San Francisco's.
From me to you with love in the air,
Janet
Comments