The performing arts donor scene

We had another founding donor event this week at our local arts center. They had a guy who played Billy Joel and Elton John songs, and was key to the development of the former's musical, Movin' Out. Really great performance, and the mood in general was better than the one from two years ago, the day after the election.

These donor functions are always a little weird for me. The crowd skews older, and I think a lot of folks are there more for the status than the mission. This is a weird thing I've noticed about philanthropy for a long time, that often donors expect something in return. I mean, I'm not saying there shouldn't be some recognition, but they don't owe me anything. It's not just wealthy people either, as I observed this among coaster enthusiasts at various GKTW fundraisers over the years.

The mission of any performing arts center is to bring the arts to everyone. I mean, this one's motto is, "Arts for every life." When they do the video montages of kids seeing Hamilton or the work with stroke patients, you can see it really does matter. Sometimes it's hard to see it when you're there for expensive Broadway tours, but when busloads of kids are there to see the orchestra or something, it wouldn't be possible without the building or the donations.

Some of what I observe might be a generation gap. I'm fine rolling into the donor room with a T-shirt and flip-flops, with a couple of visible tattoos. (It only reads "tech bro" if I wear the hoodie.) I see some of them looking at me, and it amuses me, but they literally encourage you to be comfortable when you come to see shows. I'm sure there are plenty of multi-millionaires, but I imagine most aren't any more or less "wealthy" than we are, or at least, we had to donate just as much to be there. There's something cultural about how we gravitate toward the staff, not the other donors (though Diana working there for a decade plus has a lot to do with it).

Admittedly, part of this is just reflecting on a lifetime of not being sure where I fit. I'd like to be more involved, but I don't know how. My time is certainly as valuable, if not more, than money. I have a lot of ideas and I'm not sure how to translate that into value.

It's nice to be there after such a long summer lull. Death Becomes Her and Simon's production of Elf Jr. are coming up in December. So happy to see my kid getting involved.