This is the season when many worthy nonprofit organizations ask for your help. We’re doing the same. The main difference is that their annual appeal goals are in the six figures, while ours is far more modest--our annual budget is still only $25K a year. But year we need donors to be extra generous. Why?
We’re facing the added expense (possibly upwards of $50K) of building a new observatory structure. For years, we've been trying to get up and running with a 45+ year old, used (by two previous owners) and battered building to house our 20” research-grade telescope (good news: it still works!). Despite extensive repair efforts by a skilled team of volunteers and professionals, the old building just refuses to function properly mainly because its panels have actually warped! We have recently "cried uncle"--there’s nothing more that can can be tried to fix the problems--but we have not given up the dream of establishing a resource that can be used to inspire and educate, that students, teachers, researchers and the general public can access to learn about and enjoy the universe around them. We hope that you share and will support this dream for our community.
Despite being unable to use our observatory for public educational programs, we have successfully instilled an appreciation for our universe through lectures by acclaimed speakers, star parties, portable planetarium shows and more. Years ago we know a boy who got his first look through a telescope, said “WOW!,” and grew up to be an astrophysicist. More recently one of our students has gone off to college to become an aerospace engineer! We've educated a world-wide audience of students, teachers, researchers and interested laypersons like you: in the last 14 months alone, over 1300 people have registered for our lectures and star parties, and nearly 2000 have watched the YouTube recordings of our last 13 lectures (7730 have watched our videos since 2021). In addition, we've assisted a number of students and educators with their particular needs. Even Neil deGrasse Tyson recognizes our worth: over the summer he invited us to throw a star party after his show at Guild Hall!
Your help is critical to our survival, to our ability to function, and to propel us forward in our mission. Please take a moment now to give what you can.
You can make your tax-deductible contribution now via credit card by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/HO-Zeffy
Checks are also acceptable, as is stock (you can reap significant tax advantages by donating appreciated stock), or you can donate through your DAF. And did you know that there are thousands of companies that match their employees’ charitable donations (just ask)?
Regardless of the way you choose to give, you’ll be helping to inspire and educate. So please join us now in our journey as we reach for the stars!
Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $75,000. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your kind support!
My best to all for a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!
Donna McCormick, Executive Director
https://HamptonsObservatory.org
HamptonsObservatory@gmail.com
P. O. Box 3095
East Hampton, New York 11937
Hamptons Observatory is a New York State 501(c)(3) nonprofit (est. 2005) that is dedicated to fostering interest in science, with emphasis on astronomy and space science. We hold free, quality educational events (virtual and in-person) throughout Long Island's famous Hamptons communities, although our virtual events are international. We are also endeavoring to establish the first public observatory on the South Fork. Once our observatory is fully up-and-running, in addition to holding public programs there, we plan to provide free remote access (via the internet) to our research grade telescope to students, researchers, educators, and the general public. Hamptons Observatory operates exclusively on public support. Contributions are tax-deductible.