February 27, 2008

Dear Friend,

I am writing you this letter because I consider you part of this city, my home and my heart, and the undeniable history of incredible contributions by women to music. Over the past decade of being active playing drums, playing in bands, booking shows and tours, publishing zines, and engaging in our indepedent music community, I have constantly remembered and appreciated that I came from a city that nurtured me as a young woman first getting involved. At 17, I started playing the drums and immediately I had access in my local music community to people like Kim Colletta of DeSoto Records and Jawbox; Jenny Toomey of Simple Machines Records, Tsunami, and the Future of Music Coalition; Mary Timony of Helium and her solo music; the city that was partial home to Bikini Kill and Riot Grrrl at its inception; and a host of other forces of inspiration.

When I needed help, there were women around me with a lived experience like my own to help me make it through the maze of booking shows, playing instruments, putting records out. I was not alone - I had mentors -relevant, accessible and local.

This year, our city is being hit with a beautiful storm - the emergence of Girls Rock! DC, a rock camp for girls. Rock camps for girls have been popping up all over the country and world, founded initially in Portland. The organizers I know in DC have laid the groundwork for what promises to be a life-changing experience for forty young women ages 8-18 this summer - with intensive instruction around their instruments and a host of other topics related to their wellness and character development. They now need the support of their community to ensure that this project serves a number of young women through scholarships, space for the camp, and instruments to learn on.

I am becoming a Member of the Founding Mamas effort - a group of 25 women who donate $100 to raise the $2500 needed to fully cover the cost of the space for the camp. I am writing today to ask you to give at the same amount. (Don't fret - we are approaching the men in this town too – and asking 25 of them to become Triple B's - Band Big Brothers!)

You can make your gift at www.girlsrockdc.org or by check made out to Washington Peace Center with Girls Rock!DC in the memo line. Mail your check to: PO Box 21037 Washington, DC 20009. The donation is fully tax deductible as the camp is a non-profit project of the Washington Peace Center. Join today and help secure this experience for 40 young women who are this city's artistic voice - future and present. I know I would not have become the woman I am without this city and its fierce and inspiring community of women as cultural creators. I consider you a part of that and hope you'll join today.

Sincerely,

Katy Otto
Owner of Exotic Fever Records, Affiliate of Other DC-Related Punk Endeavors
www.exoticfever.com