It is with pleasure that we present this report to our friends, partners, and contributors. We hope that you will find it interesting to see the breadth of the MHC’s work, and the extent of our impact around Maine in 2006 and 2007.
This year, we are trying something new as we move from an annual to a biennial report format. This will not only conserve paper and energy, but by saving almost 40% over the cost of two annual reports, will free more of our resources to support our programs and services, the real work of the MHC.
And that work is exciting indeed! The last two years have been extraordinarily busy, as we’ve had a leadership transition, celebrated our 30th anniversary, and mounted a number of new programs, including public symposia on literature and history. We also commissioned Taxing Maine, a play about the history of taxation in our state, that traveled to 34 venues in Maine and won three national awards. In addition, we’ve maintained our full range of ongoing community-based programs and grant-making activities. I think that this report will provide at least a snapshot of these activities, what they are, and how they link together in our effort to bring the power and pleasure of ideas to audiences of all kinds in every corner of Maine.
The strength of this programming has translated to strength in our fundraising, and we’re grateful that the MHC continues to attract support from one of the most diversified funding bases of any of our 56 sister organizations across the country. In this report, you’ll find lists of the many individuals, families, foundations, and corporations who have chosen to support our organization. We want to particularly acknowledge the many people who contributed in 2006 to the Dorothy Schwartz Opportunity Fund, developed in honor of Deedee on the occasion of her retirement. That new fund has already begun to provide us with resources for some exciting new ventures, now in the planning stage.
Thanks to all of you for your support, your involvement, and your commitment to our work.
Erik Jorgensen
Executive Director
