Under the subject heading, "What Else Do We Do To Keep Ourselves Occupied Around Here?", I belong to two non-profit organizations in the area. (oops, make that three--I just last week joined up with an arts cooperative, Pioneer Arts, but that one doesn't quite conform to this subject--yet)
I volunteer at Hospitality House, which is the local group seeking to address the issues of the homeless in our area. I also sing in the chorus arm of the larger organization, Music in the Mountains, a mostly classical group.
Both need more money. These days, of course, that's not such a simple problem to solve.
Besides the usual activities (singing for MIM and working at the Welcome Center for HH) each has various other opportunities for involvement/special events, most of which involve trying to wring cash out of anyone who glances in our direction. Because we need it. And they're good causes. Seriously.
And Tom has gotten sucked into the vortex, as well, by virtue of his being connected to me. He's OK with it.
Here's a rundown of our most recent activities (this summer):
For MIM, we took our turns working the Beer/Wine Pavilion at the Fair again this year (it's an MIM-"owned" concession). Four hours, mostly in the cashier's cage. Last year, we slung the suds. Because people drink no matter how the economy is faring.
Last Saturday, we also worked all day at the annual MIM BrewFest at the Fairgrounds, where folks come to taste more than 100 beers from all sorts of local microbreweries. Because people drink no matter, well, like I said before...Tom gathers a team of about 10 volunteers who work the gate and put wristbands on the revelers, etc. I'm on the cashier's team, but I really float between the two teams, setting up, making signs and filling in where ever. It's a fun, but long day.
Tom also set MIM up with a website from his company, Directra, to facilitate information and communication issues. It works great! Everybody loves it!
For Hospitality House, I usually help out one 3 1/2 hour shift a week working the "bin" room (where guests' belongings and shower supplies, etc. are kept) and the kitchen. I'm also in charge of a program called "Adopt-a-Night" to encourage people to give $125 to cover overnight costs for up to forty folks. As such, I'm also in charge of half of the "booth" responsibilities--finding volunteers for and setting up the booth at events such as the summer Market Nights in the downtowns each week. This is the last week for that. I also do posters/signage. And acknowledgments (thank you notes and newspaper notifications, etc.). This little job is actually a bit more than I bargained for (grew like an amoeba), so I plan to find some folks to help with parts of it.
Sunday before last, Tom and I set up for a fancy fundraising dinner in the beautiful gardens of Empier Mine State Park to benefit HH. I, then, stayed to served tables and clean up. It included an art auction, raffles, etc, and an outdoor concert by a string quartet. Lovely event. I forgot to take pictures.
Oh, and Tom is setting HH up with Directra, as well.
That's the gist. It's a great way to meet people and the work benefits good causes. Better watch out--money is always in season around here.
Photos: first is Tom letting all the BrewFesters in at the gate. You can't see the thousand, or so, people behind these first few. Second is Tom toward the end of the event when things are quieting down a bit. Third is the HH booth that we set up in Grass Valley every week. I made all the signage except the large banner in the back. I think we look pretty good, now!
