As our fiscal year comes to a close, I have taken some time to reflect on the past and look toward the future.

• We launched a new website
• Grew membership to over 500
• Enjoyed a very successful event series (which included selling out our new summer event Havana Lake Nights on Lake Norman)
• Created a following on Facebook
• First annual giving campaign raised over $1,000 to support the Mint's Traveling Trunks program
• Featured by many Charlotte media outlets
• Increased awareness of art and culture through our Artitudes series

I am not only proud of our past accomplishments, I am very excited about the future.

Over the next couple of years, one of the most exciting things that will happen in Charlotte is the opening of the new Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte. The Mint Museum will have a dynamic presence in the Wachovia South Tryon project that includes high-level condominiums, retail establishments, an office complex and other great cultural facilities. The expansion will benefit the entire Charlotte community and will provide the physical space the Mint needs to display its growing collections, stage larger special exhibitions, and increase its public programs, outreach and educational services. The new facility will encompass +/- 145,000 square feet and will host major traveling exhibitions.

I want to thank you for your continued support of the Young Affiliates and if you are currently not a member, now is the time to join!

Shaun Kruse
President, Young Affiliates of the Mint