State Street Ballet

Due to this unprecedented pandemic, it has come to my attention that our beloved Gustafson School of dance is suffering financially to the point of possibly losing the dance studio. I am reminded that when we emerge from this lock down, we need to get back to doing the things we love with the people we love. This probably goes double for our kids who's schools have been canceled, playdates eliminated and sports stopped. Both of my girls dance at Gustafson. My older daughter Tali (level 4B) is there 5 days a week. It cannot be overstated how big a part Gustafson plays in her life. It is her primary source of physical exercise, it drives her, excites her, provides a primary circle of friends, has taught her hard work, discipline and overcoming obstacles both physical and mental. The permanent positive effect on her life that Allison, Nicole, Shelby, Kira and the other Gustafson teachers have provided, I cannot put a value on.

This pandemic will end and when it does we need Gustafson to be there, ready to help put things as they should be. To this end, I ask you to help raise enough funds to keep the dance studio in Gustafson's possession until they can resume classes. You can imagine the cost of renting a studio of that size is in a place like Santa Barbara. Having a world class Ballet school and professional Ballet company is such a privilege and we are going to have to help keep it here.

We are trying to raise $50,000 to cover the cost of the studio for the next couple months, with hope that by August things can start to return to normal. If I could afford to, I would absolutely cover all costs myself. Realistically I can start by putting in the first $1,000 and asking that you join me by donating what you can. 100 percent of all donations go directly to Gustafson and are completely tax deductible.

If we work together we can show Gustafson what they mean to us and get this done on our way back to normal!

Thank you so much,

Evan McPeters (Tali and Teagan's dad)