Friends,

Based on the strong recommendations of health officials, we deeply regret to inform you that we are canceling our annual We the People Dinner originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our number one priority is the health and safety of all, and because of the unpredictable nature of this health crisis, we will not be rescheduling the dinner.

Please know we did not arrive at this decision lightly. We The People has been an annual tradition of bringing advocates, volunteers, and members of our community around a table to share a meal together for over 20 years. It is also both our organizations’ largest fundraiser of the year. ACLU-KY and The Fairness Campaign have come to depend on the funds raised at We The People to continue our work in creating a more equitable Kentucky for all.

We additionally recognize that those who are immediately and negatively impacted during this pandemic are small businesses, like Wiltshire Pantry, and hourly workers. We are incredibly grateful for Susan and know this is an unsettling time for her and her staff.

We hope you will let your contribution stand to benefit both organizations and help us honor our commitments to Susan and her Wiltshire team. Admittedly, many have already asked to make an additional contribution to ensure our security in this uncertain time. We often raise an additional $50,000 at the event – could you contribute any amount significant to you? Please visit Fairness.org/WTP2020 or call (502) 581-9746 ext. 209 to make a donation.

All sponsorships, ticket purchases, and donations are 100% tax-deductible. We will mail acknowledgment letters in the next few weeks for tax purposes. If you have any questions, please contact Charlene Buckles at [email protected] regarding We The People by March 31, 2020.

Stay healthy and let’s continue to care for ourselves and those around us. Thank you for your understanding and your continued support for both our organizations.

In gratitude,

Michael Aldridge, Executive Director, ACLU of Kentucky

Chris Hartman, Director, Fairness Campaign

In 2000, Susan Hershberg, owner of Wiltshire Pantry, created a fundraising dinner to benefit two organizations whose work she deeply believes in – ACLU of Kentucky and the Fairness Campaign. From the beginning, the dinner was more than just a benefit. It was, and remains, an occasion to appreciate those who work on the front lines to create a more equitable Kentucky for all of us. We hope that you will join us as we continue the tradition of building community by sharing a meal together.