Community Contact Information:
Temple Beth El
Spring Valley, NY
http://www.templebethel.net/
Goals:
- Raising funds for local charitable causes.
- Allowing artistically-inclined congregants to use their talents to help others.
- Brings the congregation together in an act of entertainment and tzedakah.
Overview:
A young member orchestrated a mitzvah project by giving a piano concert at a local community college. By charging admission, she was able to bring the community together to make a donation to various local charities.
Preparation:
Organizing individual or committee should choose a charity or charities that they believe to be worthy of community support, reserve a space either at the synagogue or at an appropriate venue, arrange publicity by contacting their local newspaper/public access TV station/radio station/blog to place an announcement and suggest a feature story. Organizers should be in contact with performer(s). Encourage community businesses to get involved by asking for discounts on printing costs, food, venue, etc.
Recruit volunteers to run the box office for the event, arrange pre-sale tickets and collect donations. Recruit sound engineers to help run the show as well as donate their time, equipment and services.
Project implementation:
On the day of the concert, volunteers, organizers and performers should arrive at the venue to set up equipment and ensure that all technical details have been worked out. Volunteers should stand by doors one hour before the scheduled start time to let customers into the venue and collect tickets and other donations. Prior to and during the show, volunteers should be available in the foyer to provide information about the charities that will receive the donations.
Results:
Not only did attendees and congregants enjoy the show, they were pleased to help local charities. Performers, volunteers also were pleased with the opportunity to participate in such an event and be part of a mitzvah project.
