Now, anyone connected with a non-profit has heard about Give To The Max Day almost ad naseum. But looking at it from a lowly intern’s point of view, I quickly realized I had next to no idea what the actual point is. Why do we need one specific day for donating? When did it start? How much have people donated in the past? What are the benefits of having this particular day set out? And why is it in November? Now, I’m not sure if any of you, our friends, have wondered the same things, but I’m going to fill you in, just in case!
According the givemn.org website, over the years they have made over $50 million in donations. Started in 2009, Give to the Max Day is aiming to “increase giving to nonprofit organizations across the state” and “showcasing Minnesota’s unparalleled generosity!” Sounds pretty cool. Last year alone, $13.4 million was donated.
Anyone who has been to Patrick’s Cabaret understands how grateful we are to everyone who chooses to slip a few dollars into the basket mid-show, or buy a soda or cookie during intermission. As I hope everyone recalls, all of our box-office proceeds go directly to the artist - we don’t make any kind of money simply by putting on the shows! Patrick’s is kept alive thanks to you beautiful, wonderful, artsy, innovative, generous people.
Give to the Max Day is in November to help nonprofits begin their planning for the new year - with hopefully just a bit more cash to invest back into the community. Any money given to a nonprofit isn’t just for us to play with. Particularly here at Patrick’s, money you donate goes to keeping the lights on, the heat running, and to advertising for upcoming shows!
VOGUE|TRASH was just a few days ago. You’re probably thinking, why should I give more money, when I already went this amazing event, probably bought a few drinks, got my picture taken, bought awesome stuff at the silent auction? Maybe you shouldn’t. But if you’d like to see VOGUE|TRASH bigger and better next year (actually, if you’d like to see ALL of our shows bigger and better next year) donating on the Give to the Max Day might be just for you. Or what if you couldn’t make it to VOGUE|TRASH and still want to support the splendid organization that has been entertaining you on Friday or Saturday nights?
AND the Cabaret has something a very special going on this year for Give to the Max Day. There’s a challenge! If we manage to get 50 different donations, past and current board and staff will give an additional $500. If we can get 75, they’ll give $1000, and if we can get an amazing 100 donations, they’ll give $1,500 to the Cabaret! Any gift of any size counts towards this challenge
Give to the Max Day isn’t until November 15th - you’ve got time to think about it!
If you’re interested in investigating what Give to the Max Day is all about check out giveMN.org.
