They put the fun in fund-raising!
A organization that sends Brooklyn artists to teach in low-income schools gave donors a hands-on look at its programs on June 11, throwing a benefit bash that included a dance lesson, yoga session, rap workshop, and other creative classes. The activities gave patrons an intimate look at exactly where their hard-earned greenbacks are going, said an organizer.
“I wanted them to experience what it’s like for the kids, rather than stand around being asked to contribute” said InspireCorps founder Stephanie Thompson, who also writes The Brooklyn Paper’s famed “Fearless Parenting” column.
Thompson started InspireCorps in 2013 as a way to get music, dance, drama, and other creative pursuits back into schools that have had to cut their arts programming. The organization pays dancers, musicians, illustrators, and writers to give one-off workshops and performances in their area of speciality.
Attendees at the shindig, which was held at Park Slope after-school center Camp Friendship, said the activities were a great way to see how the organization operates on the ground.
“It was a really good way to find out what InspireCorps was doing,” said donor Heather Millwood, “A good first-hand experience to see what the kids experience.”
InspireCorps raised over $9,000 at the benefit.
