Staff members, along with current and former trustees of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival are collaborating to inspire community members to contribute to the seasonal event series. The group will match any new or increased donations to the festival made before the end of the year, up to $25,000.

The initiative was created to help sustain the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and inspire greater community giving, with the goal of reaching or exceeding $50,000 of support (including the matching funds). Through December 31, 2009, the board will match donations made by first-time contributors and increased gifts from current donors.

To contribute, call the festival office at 734.994.5999 or donate online via the Board Challenge web site. To learn more about giving opportunities for the Summer Festival, visit the support section of the AAFS web site.

If the goal is met, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival will increase its operating reserve and meet budget challenges in preparation for the 2010 festival, which runs from June 18 through July 11, 2010.