Dear Friends, Donors, Supporters, and those with an interest in the BBJF,

It’s hard to believe that another year has arrived and that we are in 2009!  About this time in 2008 we began our discussions on forming the Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation and successfully launched our efforts in May of 2008. We have had many reasons to celebrate our success in 2008, especially the success of  nearly $25,000.00 in funds that were pledged in June at the annual Summer Festival. Just prior to the Uncle Pen Days Festival in September, we officially received our Not for Profit 501 (c) 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service.  By the end of 2008 we had pledged support of just under $45,000 in merchandise sales, direct donations, and in-kind services.  That was incredible given the current economy!

As we embark on our goals for 2009, we need to remember that our goal for 2008 was raising awareness. The money we raised in 2008 would not have served us well without the publicity and campaign efforts that occured.  The investment of your dollars in 2008 was succesful, as people all over the world know about the BBJF! Just ask Shigo Nidea of Japan who recently donated $5000.00 to our efforts. Thank you very much for your support in 2008! We wouldn’t be where we are today without your efforts.

For 2009 we are committed to putting 100% of all raised dollars toward purchase of the music park by building on our 2008 efforts and hard work. We are using remaining 2008 funds to hire grant writers and researchers to explore alternative funding sources for our efforts.  Your dollars are being used wisely to help raise awareness and garner more funds to help us purchase, preserve, and ultimately maintain in perpetuity the events that occur at the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground.

I ask that you consider matching your 2008 Donation in 2009. Donor levels will be essentially the same for 2009 as in 2008. If you visit our website at www.bbjfoundation.org, you can make a secure donation.  Please consider supporting our cause for 2009! We need your help.

More information will be coming to you soon, including the 2008 Annual Report. If you still support our mission, vision, and goals, we need you to make this a reality.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish everyone the best for 2009 and we look forward to seeing you in June for the Festival!

Sincerely,

Steve Johnson MBA, MHS-CL
Board of Directors
Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation Inc.
5163 North State Road 135
Morgantown, Indiana 46160
www.bbjfoundation.org
1-877-989-BBJF

Dear Donor, Friend, or Supporter of the Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation,

Seasons Greetings!

On behalf of the BBJF Board of Directors and Advisory Committee Members I would like to extend to each of you warm Holiday Greetings. May the Season bless each of you richly as you spend time with friends, family and others important to you during this time of peace and goodwill.

We appreciate your support and look forward to our continued success and your friendship in 2009!

All the best for the New Year!

Sincerely,

Steven Lloyd Johnson
President
Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation Inc.
Bean Blossom, Indiana USA
www.bbjfoundation.org

The Bean Blossom Jamboree Foundation would like to thank you for your continued support.  We are happy to share items from Rich Hersberger’s Secretary Message and more information below.    be scheduled by contacting the Foundation Offices at 1-877-989-BBJF or by email at info@bbjfoundation.org   More information on the Foundation and how you can help is available at:  http://www.bbjfoundation.org 

- We have enjoyed an exciting fall season highlighted by a fundraising drive and a donor appreciate dinner with the Larry Stephenson Band during Uncle Pen Days at the music park.  Our fundraising drive enlisted dozens of new members and raised nearly $5,000, not including donations made before and after the annual fall bluegrass festival.

- The Foundation is auctioning items (including autographed bluegrass merchandise and memorabilia on EBay.  A link to the auction site and items can be found on the homepage of our website at www.bbjfoundation.org All of the funds from the sale of these donated items will be used to support the mission and purpose of The Foundation.  Please visit the website and place a bid!

- Public Service Announcements are now available for your consideration in airing these on Radio Programs, Podcast, Webcast, websites, myspace and more!  Click here for downloads.  

- The Foundation received the exciting news that the Internal Revenue Service has accepted our application and granted us 501(c)3 status as a charitable foundation.  That means that all donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.  If you are in need of documentation to support a tax deduction for your donation, please contact us at: info@bbjfoundation.org  Please consult a tax professional when claiming your Foundation-related tax deduction.

- Fantastic media coverage this Fall including the Associated Press wire covered by various media outlets including:  WTHI-TV (Terre Haute), WTHR TV (Indianapolis),  Bloomington Herald-Times, Indianapolis Star, Chicago Tribune and USA Today.  This is not to mention scores of Foundation related articles in bluegrass blogs, websites around the world, including most recently the IBMA newsletter.

- View 2009 Bean Blossom Festival Flyer (pdf)

- Website Links page:  If you are a BBJF Donor and would like to see your link on the BBJF website or the link page at www.beanblossom.com, please email us your request.

- If you would like to interview one of the Board Members for a story on your media outlet, these can scheduled by contacting the Foundation Offices at 1-877-989-BBJF or by email at info@bbjfoundation.org   More information on the Foundation and how you can help is available at:  http://www.bbjfoundation.org 

The Foundation is auctioning items (including autographed bluegrass merchandise and memorabilia) on EBay.  A link to the auction site and items can be found on the homepage of our website at www.bbjfoundation.org

Foundation seeks to buy bluegrass festival site

As many of you know, the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park & Campground is once again for sale.  If you are one of the many bluegrass fans with “Bean Blossom Memories” of your own, and would like to see the history and traditions associated with the site of the world’s longest continuously-running bluegrass festival preserved for generations to come, you can play a key role!

Bluegrass fans the world over, even those who have never been to Bean Blossom, appreciate the significant role that Bean Blossom has played in the evolution of Mr. Monroe’s music. Join us in honoring that legacy by helping the BEAN BLOSSOM JAMBOREE FOUNDATION save the Mecca of Bluegrass Music for present and future generations.