In the past several weeks, the American Writers Museum has received unparalleled publicity surrounding the announcement of the entire second floor space at 180 N. Michigan Ave. More than half a billion people had the potential to see or hear about us via electronic and print media. Since that time, nearly 1,000 new friends have 'liked' us on Facebook, we have gained nearly 750 new subscribers to our 'e-newsletter,' and posts and reposts from friends and writing groups have been read by people literally

across the globe.

On Giving Tuesday - December 1, 2015 - we hope to capitalize on this ever-growing awareness with contributions from as many of our followers, friends and donors as possible to help us build out our space with eight exciting and unique exhibits (visit americanwritersmuseum.org for exhibit details).

Our goal for Giving Tuesday: raise at least $100,000 from donors of every part of the United States and the world.

Thanks to a generous pledge from our Chairman, Jerre Stead, and his wife, Mary Joy, we will receive $1 for every $2 we raise through December 31, 2015. We have already achieved more than 50% of that goal and, with your help, hope to reach the 100% mark by the deadline.

Gifts of EVERY size are welcome and important. Whether you give $10,000 or $1 - or any other amount, the match is in effect - making your gift worth 50% more thanks to the challenge grant.

And we have a special incentive to those who help us: thanks to the outstanding writers who are working with the American Writers Museum, we have a limited supply of autographed books available to the first twenty donors at the $1,000 level, and AWM bookmarks available to every donor as our Thank You to you.

Americans are the most giving people on earth... last year nearly half of us made a charitable contribution collectively totaling more than $358 Billion. Your participation in Giving Tuesday is one small way you can help the American Writers Museum achieve its reality and open in March 2017 in Chicago.

Remember to go online: americanwritersmuseum.org/givingtuesday today, Tuesday December 1, click on the "Donate" button, and follow the instructions to make your gift. You can also send a check to 205 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 620, Chicago, IL 60606 if you prefer. We will be counting all donations we receive this week toward our #GivingTuesday challenge.

Many thanks for your support!