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The American French Genealogical Society needs your help. Our
goal is to raise at least $500,000 in donations and pledges by June 30, 2007. The owners of our current home in Woonsocket, Rhode Island will vote this spring on whether to sell the building. If they
vote yes, AFGS has the right of first refusal of the purchase. We must have sufficient funds available to create a fully accessible French-Canadian cultural and research center. |
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About
AFGS |
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During
the nearly 30 years since the founding of AFGS, the
Society has helped thousands of individuals find their
ancestors and learn about the important contributions to
their community not only in the United States, but also
in Canada and elsewhere. From the humble beginnings in
1978, with a handful of repertoires stored in milk
crates at the LeFoyer Club in Pawtucket, Rhode Island,
the AFGS library has grown to over 10,000 volumes. This
is one of the largest collections of French and
French-Canadian
research material in North America. |
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In addition to publishing more that 100 books, the AFGS regularly conducts workshops on research and French-Canadian history, publishes a bi-annual journal, Je Me
Souviens, and a bi-monthly newsletter. The Society is a founding member of the New England Regional Genealogical Conference and plays a key role in the planning of genealogical conferences throughout New England. AFGS is also a member of Federation Quebecoise des Societes de
Genealogie, a group consisting of the majority of genealogical and historical societies in the province of Quebec. |
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In 2003, the AFGS founded the French-Canadian Hall of Fame to recognize individuals of French-Canadian ancestry who have made significant contributions to their community, state and
nation through either distinguished career accomplishments,
or dedicated public service. |
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Campaign Overview |
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The board of directors established the building fund in 2000 with the dream
of purchasing a home of our own in order to provide ample space for the expansion of cultural and historical activities. |
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During Phase 1 of the campaign, we asked members to
make a commitment of our society through pledges and donations over time. It soon became clear that there was strong support for the AFGS and its mission, and the value placed on our rich French-Canadian heritage. |
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Through the generosity of our members and friends, we raised nearly $120,000.
Real estate values have increased considerably over the past several
years. The costs of labor and construction materials also have skyrocketed. It is obvious that we must raise substantially more in order to keep our dream alive. |
| Photos (from top): Volunteer researcher and author Bob Pelland; our current home; library volunteer Sylvia Bartholomy assists a new member' The Most Reverend Louis E. Gelineau, Bishop Emeritus of Providence. Facing Page: Pawtucket Red Sox Chairman and owner Ben Mondor is among the first inductees in the AFGS French-Canadian Hall of Fame; members enjoy an AFGS sponsored tour of Old Quebec City. |
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| The board of directors has developed a vision plan that outlines how the AFGS will
expand and improve its activities not only for members, but also for those of French-Canadian and Franco-American ancestry. We urge you
to read the summary of the vision plan on the back page of this brochure. The complete plan is located on our Web site,
www.afgs.org. |
| The goal for Phase II is ambitious. There are several ways that you can help us reach our goal. The campaign theme, Preserving our Past...Building our Future, is
exactly what we will do with a successful campaign. The Society will use every avenue at its disposal to
attain it, including grant
opportunities, corporate donations, and in-kind services. |
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How you Can Help |
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| Here are a few ways that giving to the AFGS Building Fund might be right for you: |
| Current Gifts |
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Make an outright gift of cash or securities |
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You may choose to make your donation in memory of a loved one |
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Make a one-to-three year pledge of cash or securities that spreads your giving over time |
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Use a distribution from a qualified retirement plan to tap into sheltered resources and minimize tax
consequences |
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Take advantage of a matching gift program from your employer or your spouse's employer |
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| Deferred Gifts |
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Retain total control of your assets during your lifetime but include a charitable bequest to the American French Genealogical Society Building Fund in your will or
trust |
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Bypass potential estate and income taxes by designating the American French Genealogical Society Building Fund as beneficiary of a retirement plan, pension benefits, or an IRA |
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Every contribution-no matter what
size or giving method-will work to preserve our past and built our future.
Whether you choose to give a one-time contribution, make a pledge over time, donate stock, or arrange to support the AFGS through your estate plans, remember that your gift is
going to make a difference. |
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Please keep in mind that purchasing a building is just the start. Much like owning a home, maintaining and renovation a
structure is an ongoing process. |
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The building fund will continue after the purchase and initial renovations and repairs arer completed. We hope that you will consider including AFGS in your estate planning. |
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Please visit the AFGS Web site at www.afgs.org and select the building fund link to read more about the many avenues available to support the AFGS Building Fund. Remember, AFGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible as
allowed by law. |
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To donate, complete the enclosed pledge card and return it in the pre-addressed envelope. You may also donate online by visiting our secure building fund Web page,
www.afgs.org, and select the building fund link. |
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| Research
Center |
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Research Center will house the Society's
extensive holdings and feature: |
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Modern
library furniture. |
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A
security system to protect the center's
valuable holdings and a secure special
collections room. |
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Computerized
catalog system |
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A
secure coat room and locker area for
personal items |
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Coin
operated printers and copiers |
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Special
fire suppression system in designated
areas for the most valuable holdings and
collections |
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Technology
area with state-of-the-art networked
computer work stations and an area for
laptop use |
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Reading
room with comfortable chairs and tables |
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| Education
and Conference Center |
| Located
outside the research area for workshops,
lectures, video presentations, and meetings. It
will feature a state-of-the-art media center
including: |
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Surround
sound audio |
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Video
and audio recording equipment and
digital audio and video editing suite |
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Large
screen projection and LCD projection for
presentations |
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High
speed Internet access and
teleconferencing |
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Chairs
and folding tables for classroom or
auditorium seating |
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Adjacent
kitchenette for member/visitors
featuring tables and chairs, sink,
refrigerator and microwave oven. |
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| Exhibition
Center |
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in a secure setting: |
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AFGS
French-Canadian Hall of Fame |
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Permanent
exhibits highlighting French-Canadian
culture and history |
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Visiting
exhibitions |
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| AFGS |
| Vision Plan |
| The AFGS Vision Plan's basic concepts would be applicable to a building of approximately 20,000 square feet. The Society presently occupies about 3,300 square feet. |
| Renovations and repairs will be phased-in, with priority given to health, welfare and safety issues. The building will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the state fire code. The new home will feature three centers. |
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