I went to a fundraiser for an arts program. I originally declined the invitation, but then a friend of mine couldn’t go at the last minute and asked me to take his place.
This arts program seems like a good one. It offers paid lessons to kids who can afford it, but it also provides scholarships and other free arts programs to kids who can’t afford them. I think providing art lessons to kids is good. I think kids should always be given access to music and art and the opportunity to learn to play instruments or paint or sculpt or whatever inspires them.
BUT BUT BUT (Here’s the part where you think I’m a bitch, just so you know that I’m aware) there were almost 1000 people at the fundraiser I attended. One thousand people to support arts education for kids. Do you think a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations that provide mental health support for military veterans would get a thousand supporters? Do you think a thousand rich people would show up at a fundraiser to raise money to help the homeless? I really doubt it. Going to a program about arts education is fun. You get to attend a program where cute little kids show off their training for you, and you get to go home and say you support the arts. It’s not gritty or scary – it’s easy and fun.
I think that arts programs should be supported. But I hope that other organizations that give people food and shelter and health care get the same kind of support.
Feel free to tell me why I’m wrong, though I can’t promise it will change my mind.
I work for a performing arts school and I wish that we had 1000 people come to our fundraisers. Mostly because I’m selfish and I want to keep my job, but, you know, rah rah, yay for music and dance and drama.
You are right, of course, that those other programs are not nearly as “glamorous” to support. Something to think about for sure…
Marie took the words right out of my mouth. I was about to say the same thing. Those other causes aren’t sexy enough for people. Really sad, but true. Plus, people feel better in that environment. Like you said…the cute kids, the arts…it’s easier on people than soup kitchens and free clinics. So nope, you are not wrong. You are speakin’ the truth…Maybe we should get the soup kithens to put on dance numbers or something, broadway tunes by homeless vets?…(oh crap…someone is going to think I’m serious huh?)
I don’t think you’re a bitch. I think people GO CRAZY about supporting charities for kids, but once those kids grow up, not nearly as many people want to help them anymore. Sad but true. Plus, I wonder how many people show up at those things just for networking or to look good in front of their friends. (Now I sound like a bitch.)
It is always hard to say that one charity is more important than another but I think people just are more likely to support charities that hit closer to home. Obviously if you have kids, you are more likely to donate to kids’ programs, if your family or friend is affected by the war, you give to veteran charities, if you are affected by an illness, you give money for research. It is “selfish” charity but it is still charity. It is just too bad that more people are unwilling to donate to so many needed causes.
So you know what I do now? I am a fundraiser for a charity that matches adult mentors with kids. I worked like crazy for months to get 300 people to an event. If I was well connected, knew movers and shakers personally, and lived in a bigger city, I could maybe get 1000. And I’m sure that the arts program has someone on the staff or the board who can, and that’s the only reason they got that many people.
The other, and I agree, more worthy causes probably have board and staff members who are just struggling to satisfy the needs of the day to day, with no time to organize a gala event. However, they’re also more likely to get government grants to stay afloat, and don’t need the publicity of a huge gala, but the cold hard cash that comes from it.
That’s the crazy world of charity for you, and if you want a good resource to see who does the most good with their money, check out http://www.charitynavigator.org.
You are right and not a bitch at all, at least on this subject.
You aren’t a bitch period.
I think that for the charity thing, who is organizing the event ends up dictating how many people show. In Philadelphia, I’d be willing to bet that if you got a bunch of higher ups in a fancy schmancy place to do a dinner for veterans they would. The Tonester and I delivered Thanksgiving meals to the needy this year, and we had press and the Mayor, so it’s not just the kids who can get some good press. Lord knows the last guy we dropped food off to (who wasn’t there, and had his “lady” open the door, with, “What the f— do you want?” “Oh, I thought he get food Wednesday.” “Now I got to call that motherf—er up.”) was certainly not a cute kid.
Not to be douchy, but maybe if you and H are so inclined you could help one of those homeless shelters organize an event?
Goodness, prefacing that with the “not to be douchy” made it sound extra douchy. I’m just saying, if you are so inclined, it would be awesome, for you and for the organization.
Well, my full-time gig is actually managing special events for an arts organization, and I don’t think you’re wrong. Granted, I also think that the tenor of the event and the way in which the event is managed has a lot more to do with how many people attend than the “cause,” unfortunately.
In San Francisco, we’re seeing a massive number of people who are not supporting the arts anymore, in favor of supporting healthcare or environmental agencies. I don’t take that personally at all. The reality is, there is so much money in this country (and especially this town) that there’s really enough to go around. Also, I think that organizations that use their money effectively and figure out a way to connect with people will always have an easier time finding dollars.
The most important thing, I think, is for people to support causes that they care about. I don’t think there’s any one thing that people should all care about, which allows the myriad non-profits in this country coexist. The SECOND MOST IMPORTANT THING, however, is to carefully consider the organization, rather than just the cause. There are so many organizations that don’t manage their money correctly, etc. I think the best thing to do is get involved with an organization to see how they operate, and then put your money where your heart is.
(Sorry. Longest comment ever.)
I appreciate the long comment. I think those are all really good points.
I know what you mean — at my firm, there are always tons of attorneys who do pro bono adoptions, but people taking on domestic violence TROs? Way fewer.
Actually, I haven’t done a TRO myself, while I’ve done a couple adoptions, oops! Hm, I guess I will have to do one now to balance the scales between gritty and cute, which I think, you are right, is important.
I get irritated when people go on and on and on about breast cancer research. How’s THAT for being a jerk? But heart disease is the #1 killer of women and I feel like it doesn’t get any attention, at all. Which is not to say that breast cancer isn’t important (because my god, it is) – I just think people get hyper-focused. That said…it REALLY irritates me when I think about how much energy, time and money goes into every major sporting event. I mean, I love me some football – but it’s unbelievable to think about what we could all accomplish if that kind of effort was focused on something else…
You’ve got a point.