A LETTER TO YOU

Dear Fairyland Friends,

At this time of the year our thoughts naturally turn to family, friends, and gratitude. And so I’m writing to you, friends of the Fairyland family for whom we are very grateful—to ask you to make a year-end donation to Children’s Fairyland.

For thirteen years I have had the privilege of leading this one-of-a kind community resource. It warms my heart to see the extent to which Fairyland remains a beloved treasure for so many. It was especially evident during the celebration of our 65th birthday, when families across generations shared their connection to Fairyland with stories, photos, and gifts.

It’s evident every day Fairyland is open and enjoyed by children and families of all backgrounds. We are stronger today because of the dedication of donors, members, staff, board, and partners. As stewards of Fairyland we can all take pride in the joy we give. It’s a sentiment beautifully expressed by the leader of Brighter Beginning’s parent and baby program:

“We would like to thank you for giving our clients a memorable experience. Our clients have gone through many hardships in their lives and visiting such a happy place with their children has given them a sense of hope and optimism. Thanks for putting a smile on their faces.” 

We can celebrate what we’ve accomplished with your support. Last fiscal year we served:

  • 212,065 park visitors, including...
   o 16,069 free or subsidized admissions, including...

1.  2,071 guests for 2014 Oakland Head Start day, and an additional 
2.  1,789 attendees for the local relaunch of the Clinton Foundation’s Talk Read Sing campaign. 

We can celebrate the “rocks and gems” installed in the Jolly Trolly Tunnel, the restoration of our Carousel, a new barn for our dwarf dairy goats, and the constant and ongoing upgrades our staff and volunteers undertake to keep the magic of Fairyland alive: the gardens, the sets and rides, the new mural in the Japanese Tea Garden, the Happy Dragon’s roving eyes.  

We can celebrate innovative partnerships, the expansion of our educational programs, the commitment to affordability, and the 100 families who received free memberships this year. We can celebrate Fairyland’s contribution to early literacy and school readiness, so important for the lifelong success of our youngest kids.

And we can celebrate the opportunity to do more. Join me, please! All contributions will be gratefully received.

Here’s how we can put your donation to good use:

$ 123 helps provide a free Fairyland membership for a family with limited means
$ 260 helps fund one summer camp scholarship
$ 495 helps pay for chartered bus transportation to Fairyland for 80 children and chaperones
$1,250 helps our 24 year-old alpaca receive care at UC Davis when needed
$5,000 helps produce a professional dance performance for 450 OUSD 2nd graders

Your gift is the key that unlocks the magic of Fairyland now and for generations.
Thank you for choosing Fairyland for your charitable support!

Sincerely,

C.J. Hirschfield
Executive Director

P.S. Do you have someone on your gift list who “has it all”? Consider a gift to Fairyland in that person’s name. We’ll send a holiday card acknowledging your donation in their honor.

P.P.S. You can submit your donation in the enclosed envelope or online at www.fairyland.org