Dear Mr. Rutherford, /

Thank you very much for your invitation / to participate once again in the institute’s municipal charity art auction / on October 23, / commemorating the 15th anniversary of the founding of the institute. // Unfortunately, / I will be unable to be in attendance at this year’s event / since I will be in London on that day / to chair an international conference / on environmental issues. // I do hope / that my absence will not pose any inconvenience, / and I remain eager to participate in subsequent events / ─ either in person or online ─ as my schedule permits. //

As you know, / I am an enthusiastic supporter of the arts in general / and of your tireless work for our local fine arts community in particular. // I am therefore enclosing a check for $5,000 with this letter / to upgrade my membership in the Institute / from Contributing Subscriber to Gold Circle Patron. // As always, / I appreciate your discretion / in enabling my donations to remain in the “Anonymous” column / in all published listings of donations / (i.e., newsletters, art show programs and online communications.) //

Please accept my apologies / for my inability to attend this year’s auction, / but be assured of my enduring appreciation and support for your great work. //

Sincerely, / Elouise Templeton-Hayes //

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