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Appeal 2011

Our annual appeal letter may have found its way to your mailbox by now, or this could be the first you've seen of it.   Either way, we hope you'll take a minute to learn how support from people like you has helped us create 347 days of programming in 2011.

In the upcoming year we hope that you will recommit to your support of the Steel Yard.   Or, if you haven't given in the past, that you will join this group of supporters.

If you have already read this year's letter and made a donation - thank you! If not, there's still time. Please scroll to the bottom of this letter to find a donation button.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to another year of unique Yardie adventures with you.

Dear Friend,

Never has the idea of acting locally and thinking globally seemed to resonate more loudly than it does today.

All over the world, people are speaking up for change, for the simple belief that our shared future deserves something better than what we currently have before us.

And for many, that something needs to start close to home.
Local action matters.

Here at the Yard, we’ve always believed this.

Change is possible, and it starts right here!
Right here at the Steel Yard you’ve been helping to build since 2002.

Person by person, project by project, we are modeling new ideas about making local change with global implications.

The Steel Yard’s programs are reestablishing regional craft and industrial traditions and facilitating opportunities to put these skills to use in revitalizing our local economy. Quietly, steadily, the Steel Yard is modeling a different way to think about the scale of industry and production and its role in building a sustainable community.

We have you and your commitment to thank for this. Together, we are building a more creatively inspired, connected and engaged community.

Just look at what astonishing local action you were part of this year:

  • 40 at risk Rhode Islanders 18-24 successfully completed our Weld to Work program, leaving with marketable skills and an    understanding of excellence.
  • 350 students learned to weld, forge, throw, solder and cast for the first time and many others honed their existing skills. 
  • Over 60 artists enriched their personal portfolios through teaching or fabricating. 
  • 150 volunteers continued to strengthen our facilities and the impact of our events.
  • 31 public projects were designed, built and installed across the state, employing 45 artists.
  • More than 3,000 people attended our unusual and educational low-cost or free public events.
  • 6 awards recognized our environmental cleanup and its impact in revitalizing the Industrial Valley neighborhood.

These things happened because of your advocacy, your financial support, your volunteerism and your general enthusiasm. Most of all they happened because you committed to the Steel Yard’s purpose and to all that this small organization with a big mission makes possible every day.

This year, I hope you’ll join me in committing anew to our shared work by making a financial gift before year’s end.

As always, we’ll make each dollar count. We’ll make smart choices. We’ll keep you informed. After all, we’re in this together.

Person by person, project by project.
Change is possible is and It starts right here!

With deepest respect and admiration,
Drake Patten Executive Director


  • I want to start something every day, so I'll give $1 a day. That's $365!
  • I'll start the next generation of workers off right! Count me in for $600.
  • I want to start someone off young. I'll give $_____ to youth open studios.
  • I want to kickstart a new artist's career. I'm in for $_____.
  • I can't start something soon enough Let's step on it for $2,500!
  • You think that's something? Try this: I'll give $_____.
  • I can't choose between all of these options but I sure am committed.  Please accept my donation of ____.