During the current economic downturn, it seems everybody has an upturned palm aimed in your general direction. But with the government busy bailing out the giants of Wall Street and Detroit, where are the little guys supposed to turn for help?
That is where you—the individual donor—come in. Nonprofit organizations are turning increasingly to the private sector for a helping hand. Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company also is hoping it can lean on lovers of modern dance a bit more this year with its annual Cabaret of Fools.
Designed as a loose evening of fun and entertainment, this fundraiser includes drinks, appetizers and dinner provided by the likes of The Tin Angel Café and Dolcetti Gelato. There will be a silent and a live auction, tarot card readers, a dance floor and performances by RWDC and Step-Up dancers who will “sneak up” on the milling guests. The first 50 of the expected 250 attendees will also be treated to a little surprise aimed at complementing their evening attire.
Although a mere 6 percent
of RWDC’s annual budget actually comes from individual donors, every bit
counts. Joan Woodbury, co-founder of the company, makes a fine point
about the arts giving back to the community, too: “I think, in these
dreadful financial times, with all of the uncertainty and worry, that it
is important for the arts to have the possibility to do what they do
best … lift the spirit, and bring joy into people’s lives.”
Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company: Cabaret of Fools @ Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. Broadway, 801-297-4236, April 3, 6:30 p.m. RirieWoodbury.com