As much as you need us, we need you, for without our stakeholders, there is no Levantine Cultural Center. On behalf of everyone here, we're writing to request your participation in the 2010 Spring Fund Drive. We genuinely need your help.

Would you agree that Levantine Cultural Center serves as a positive force for building bridges of understanding? Our many programs over the past eight years have included exceptional Middle Eastern artists and writers whose work reaches a broad range of audiences and

• Creates a safe space for needed dialogue among communities in conflict
• Has a positive influence on filmmakers, writers, journalists, editors, and others who produce film, television and news media
• Fosters new friendships
• Educates youth and adults on the Middle East/North Africa
• Challenges "clash of civilization" stereotypes about Arab/Islamic culture

We cannot continue this work, however, without a financial investment from the very communities we serve: Arab. Muslim. Jewish. Iranian. Armenian. Turkish—and all Americans who are forward-thinking, regardless of your national, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Watch Necar Zadegan from "24" discuss Levantine Cultural Center on CNN. Watch our demo reel.

You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for a monthly donation online. Or send a check to: Levantine Cultural Center, 5998 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90035-2657. Or you can call in at 310.657.5511 or 310.657.5522 to pledge by phone. Want to double your contribution? Make a matching pledge to inspire others!

Drive Dates are March 22-April 12, 2010
We are working to raise $60,000 between today and April 12th (official drive dates are March 22-April 12, 2010). We need you to reaffirm your support as stakeholders in what the Center is building. Whether you can give $25 or $50 a month or make a one-time contribution of $60, $120, $500 or $5,000 or whatever amount, we will reward you with special membership benefits, discounts and gifts to be sure. Check out our Stakeholders' Wall here. Become a new stakeholder today!

As a friend of Levantine Cultural Center, your ongoing support for our mission is critical to our efforts. As a non-profit organization, the Center has been severely impacted by the unstable economy facing us all. We are dependent on the generosity of our members through dues and donations to insure the long-term financial health of our organization.

You are the strength of Levantine Cultural Center--without whom we wouldn't have become a force to contend with.

Your gift, at whatever level you deem appropriate, will insure the future of Levantine Cultural Center. Your donation may be designated toward several areas of need:

• General Fund - Support is needed to assist with the Center's day-to-day operating expenses (we spend 15% on operations and 85% on programs).
• Coexistence programming - screenings, conferences and panel events that focus on Israel-Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran
• "New Voices" Middle East Film Series - the new monthly film "salon" that includes a screening, Q & A and reception, allowing for thoughtful discussion on issues of concern to us all
• Audio-Visual Recordings - Funds are needed to support the archival documentation of our many programs on either video or audio to be streamed on the Center website, providing an ongoing source of valuable information for the public.