For 2015, a non-conference year, we lowered our sights in the Hemingway Foundation's fund-raising campaign in support of the PEN/Hemingway Award in first fiction. And we exceeded expectations.
In 2014, this ramped-up effort resulted in a $10,000 boost as generous members stepped up to meet the $5,000 challenge offered by Steve Paul and Carol Zastoupil. Based on that success, the foundation board last spring voted to increase the annual donation in support of the award program by $4,000 to a total of $15,000.
This week we closed out the 2015 campaign, with total receipts of more than $5,400, including the one-to-one match from Steve and Carol.
Thanks to all members who contributed to this vital foundation activity, a partnership with New England PEN, the JFK Library and Museum and the Hemingway family, which has made a significant commitment to funding the prize. This season's PEN/Hemingway process is underway. Watch for announcements of finalists and an awards program April 10 in Boston.