As a nonprofit, it seems counterintuitive to have money be such a central focus for the organization. But to preserve this amazing historic site or do any good with it, we really must make raising as much money as possible a priority.
Over the last few years, we have had some tremendous success with the African American Civil Rights Preservation Program through the National Parks Service. This grant program selects Civil Rights significant locations to help preserve and restore. Two successive awards have allowed us to make the necessary code compliancy updates to the Dreamland Ballroom and Taborian Hall. Our first award came in 2018. The nine years before that, Friends of Dreamland raised money in many ways.
Our primary fundraiser has always been Dancing into Dreamland. It is a wonderful night of dancing and revelry in the Dreamland Ballroom showcasing contestants dancing to win favor of both the audience and a panel of judges. The night is also full of all the usual gala activities: silent auction, raffle, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Dancing into Dreamland is back in 2022 on February 12th.
Pave the Way is our longest running campaign. Large and small pavers are sold and inscribed with whatever the donor would like. The pavers are then set into the concrete sidewalk in front of the Taborian Hall. When the elevator addition is complete, these bricks will be relocated to the new main entrance to ballroom.
Go Fund Me campaigns, concerts, drive-in movies, art shows, mailers…we’ve pretty much done it all! So, if you are at all interested in contributing to the mission of our organization, there is a way! You can contribute any amount; nothing is too small or too big to a “general fund.”
Monies granted by the National Parks Service are given specifically for construction. Unfortunately, the ballroom needs plenty of other updates, including modern lighting and sound for the house and stage. Maintenance alone in the ballroom costs several thousand dollars a year. The list of “dream” restoration projects is quite lengthy. Once accessible, the ballroom will be able to host a variety of historic and cultural events and programs that celebrate the rich legacy of Dreamland while building up and connecting our larger community. The Dreamland Ballroom will always need its Friends to sustain, honor, and guide it into the future.
Keep Dreaming, Matthew McCoy