The following is from an email by Eric Swanson, Program Coordinator at Sacred Heart Music Center (emphasis added)

Dear Friends of Sacred Heart Music Center,

I am writing you today because of your past support of the Sacred Heart Music Center as either a patron, a donor, a performer or a volunteer. It is through your efforts and contributions that Sacred Heart has been able to continue to provide Duluth with a unique venue for music and the arts and we want you to know how much that support is appreciated.

Now we would like to ask you to lend your voice to our cause and here is how you can help.

On Tuesday, March 22, 2011 the Community Development Committee of the City of Duluth will consider a request from Sacred Heart for a Community Development Block Grant. We are applying for this grant to help pay for major repairs needed to the steeple and roof of the SHMC.

If we receive this funding we will also likely get matching funding from the Minnesota Historical Society that will enable us to continue
to preserve our historic building.

The Community Development Committee’s decision will be largely influenced by how much support the community shows for Sacred Heart.

— Letter for mailing to Committee —

City of Duluth
Community Development Committee
407 City Hall
Duluth, MN 55802

Dear Committee members,

This letter is written in support of the Sacred Heart Music Center’s request for Community Development Block Grant funding.

The Sacred Heart Music Center is a vital and vibrant part of the Duluth arts and music community and a landmark historical building in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Sacred Heart provides cultural opportunities for local residents by presenting art and musical performances in a unique and inspiring setting. Sacred Heart continues to help serve the local neighborhood by providing free concert tickets for lower income citizens through the Damiano Center, doing musical outreach programs to local schools and by the implication of the pilot program for the Music Resource Center, a program designed to provide musical educational opportunities to disadvantaged youth.

We urge the Committee to help Sacred Heart continue its artistic mission and preserve its historic building by approving its request for a Community Development Block Grant.