May 6, 2014

Rufus King Foundation Fund on behalf of:

Dear Friend of Rufus King International High School:

If you have been to the RKIHS auditorium for any sort of meeting, assembly, awards presentation or concert, you will have noticed the deteriorated condition of this once-grand space. You may have strained to hear the speaker. Last updated in the 1960s, the auditorium lacks, among other things, a modern sound system that would truly enhance the experience of both audience and performers. The acoustics are better in the library!

To quote Band Director Benjamin Zabor, “The acoustics are absolutely terrible on stage and in the theater. There are no inputs to the sound system and no soundboard. Nothing is wireless. We cannot run anything through the system such as a soundtrack from another source. Having a musical theater production is out of the question.”

So, we are putting together plans to upgrade our beautiful auditorium for the benefit of all students and school families. Will you help? Any change would make a difference in the way students perform.

Our 925-seat auditorium is used on a daily basis by our band, orchestra, jazz band and drum corps. It is also the main venue for all-school assemblies, student recruitment, family events, concerts, and community meetings throughout the school year.

An upgraded facility will bring us into the 21st century and provide a first class environment for all of our students, families, and community members. The estimated cost for the sound system alone is more than $25,000. With additional support, we would also:

Paint the auditorium Replace curtains for side walls in auditorium Replace the main stage curtains (traveler), legs and back curtains Replace the wood stage floor and floor runners in the auditorium Redo stage lighting system, taking advantage of modern “green” bulbs that are more energy

efficient and less of a fire threat.

As one of Wisconsin’s top three public high schools, King – and its students – deserve an auditorium worthy of their efforts and talent.

We are reaching out to Rufus King General friends and families, such as you, to help us reach this goal. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you in advance for your contribution.

Sincerely,

Terence Miller Jeremy NicholsCo-chair, RKIHS Fund Committee Co-chair, RKIHS Fund Committee

In April, U.S. News & World Report released their rankings of the nation’s top high schools.  Rufus King has again been named a Silver Award School and the 3rd best high school in Wisconsin.  This is a credit to the hard work of our students and staff.  What an honor to be recognized for the wonderful things that happen at Rufus King every day!

Thank you for your part in this success story. We need your support today.

Detach this portion and mail with your contribution to: Rufus King Foundation Fund – ATTN Jeremy Nichols, 1801 W Olive St, Milwaukee, WI 53209

YES! I support Rufus King International School’s tradition of supporting student growth in and out of the classroom with this contribution to the Auditorium Project.

My gift: __ $25 __ $50 __ $100 __ $250 __ $500 __$1,000 $_______other.

I am: __ Alum (yr_______), __ Faculty Member ( __ past, __ present), __ King Family Member ( __ past, __ present), __ Other (please specify)_________________________________

__ Enclosed is my check made payable to MPS Foundation with Rufus King Fund in the memo line to ensure funds go to Rufus King International School Fund. At this time the King Foundation is not able to accept credit cards.

__ Please keep me informed about upcoming events to benefit the Rufus King Foundation.

Name ________________________________________ Email ______________________________

Address ______________________________________________ Phone ______________________