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After a year of waiting, we have finally been granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service here in the USA. This is huge news, because is means that we can start fundraising, and people donating to our nonprofit are able to deduct their donations on their tax forms. The status is called 501(c)3 in the tax code, and it establishes Aripa Arte as a public charitable organization. This designation also gives the new NGO access to apply for grants, get reduced rates on products and services, and places us on all the national lists for those seeking to donate to worthy causes. I cannot express how important this new status means for our organization and the ability for us to achieve our goals and mission.
Now the real work of the nonprofit begins. We are busily preparing for our first fundraising event, to celebrate Mărțișor, the traditional Romanian celebration welcoming the Spring. Fitting really, since we are launching something new, with potential for growth and an ultimate harvest. I think it is a very appropriate metaphor for Aripa Arte at this stage of our growth and development. The Gala celebration will take place on March 1, 2024 at the art studio of John Ross Palmer here in Houston. John has been so supportive while we have struggled to get our tax free status, and has kindly allowed us to host our cocktail gala in his building.
The evening will consist of a presentation of some of the Romanian artists that we have already met and interviewed during Bogdan's recent trip to Bucharest. In addition, there will be a silent auction of some of their artworks. We are hopeful that the event will introduce our nonprofit to some local art collectors, and be a source of fundraising for the programs we hope to achieve this year.
I am so very happy to be able to share this wonderful news with you, and hope that you will be part of this fledgling community of artists and art enthusiasts. We have a lot of work to do.
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