Party for a Cause

Party for a Cause

Raise funds and have a little fun, all in the comfort of your home

BY LISA MURPHY-LAMB, FOR THE CALGARY HERALD NOVEMBER 29, 2010


O n a recent Saturday night, 73 people gathe re d in my home for SalonWord, an eclectic evening of art, poetry, film and silent auction. Guests travelled from room to room, experiencing some of Alberta's greatest artistic talent -- all in the name of fundraising.

Before you say, "I could never do that," consider the benefits: a worthy cause gets a financial boost (in this case, approximately $3,600 went to WordsWorth, a youth writing program I coordinate); you help to generate an intimate sense of community among people you know (and those you don't); and you support a long tradition of culture and the arts.

The Concept

A salon is broadly defined as a gathering of people to discuss various topics and amuse one another. Historically, salons featured French literature or poetry in a salon or sitting room. Contemporary salons have grown to include art, music or political discussions and now often occur in coffeehouses and schools.

SalonWord was contemporary in vision. Since WordsWorth teaches writing through performance, fiction, non-fiction, art, scriptwriting, music and poetry, I wanted to throw a party that incorporated many of those realms.

Potluck Culture

Curating a party at home, gathering creative and non-creative friends for an evening of arts and frivolity, is a viable prospect. Sitting down to plan this salon, I looked at the different parts of my life and quickly realized how many creative and talented people I could contact, through both work and my social network.

Bob Jahrig, instructor and Edmonton musician, played a set with Marc Ladouceur. Scriptwriter Jason Long suggested director James Reckseidler, who debuted his short film Defensive Aggressive.

Local author-instructors Barb Howard and Joan Dixon contributed their books for the silent auction.

From my neighbourhood I was able to ask artists Neil Kathol, Gary Mc-Millan and Kathy Aldous-Schleindl to make up the bulk of the art exhibit.

I had met photographers Cynthia Robinson and Roberta McDonald volunteering at local arts events.

Longtime friend Jenne Newman pulled out a life-size sculptural doll piece from her past, and my father, Thomas P. Murphy, made his photographic debut.

Then friends started recommending friends, which is how director-animator Cam Christiansen came to show his short film 5 Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica.

Within a short period of planning, the entertainment roster was full.

At The Salon

I charged a door admission of $20. The evening began with three young writers on the microphone in my front room: David Wenzel, Erin Vance and Sebastien Wen represented WordsWorth and set the purpose for the fundraiser.

Two short films followed in a makeshift theatre downstairs. Fulllength feature Walk All Over Me, contributed by neighbour and film producer Carolyn McMaster, played afterwards for those wishing to chill away from the crowd.

Upstairs, musical performances wrapped up with Laurie Fuhr, editor of literary magazine Filling Station, on guitar. The silent auction ended at midnight and DJ Scootz played until 4 a.m.

Taking Stock

People thought I was insane to host something this ambitious in our home.

But as the party progressed, guests remarked

the intimate space added to the hipness of the evening. There were constraints. Theatre space was cramped, cleanup fell into my hands and once the paintings are returned, I'll have to patch my walls. But after the party ended, I logged onto Facebook and read this post. "Erin Vance had a lovely time at SalonWord. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such talented and supportive people."

Indeed we are. And the closer, the better I would add.

Lisa Murphy-Lamb B. Ed., M. Ed co-ordinates WordsWorth, a youth writing program hosted by the Young Alberta Book Society that runs Feb. 4 To 6 and July 3 to 16, 2011, in Bragg Creek. For more information, go to yabs.ab.ca.

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Ten Tips For Hosting A Fundraiser At Home

icola Dawes of Nicola Dawes Consulting works with Wellspring Calgary and is auction chair for the UNICEF Gala. She recently organized a fundraiser at Gibson Fine Art for Art a la Carte, and offers this advice.

1. Know why you are fundraising. Is it to raise a profile, raise funds or to have fun?

2. Have a theme.

3. Create a binder with every last bit of information in it so somebody could take over if something unforeseen happens to you.

4. Have a Plan B.

5. Get insurance for the evening of the event.

6. Consider your pet, your children, your valuables and where they will go for the evening.

7. Create a marketing plan. How will you spread the word? What can you get done for free?

8. What kind of support can your organization give you?

9. Notify your neighbours.

10. Send thank-you notes to your supporters and thank your sponsors.

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