RACC Press Releases
July 24, 2008
Updated August 7, 2008
Work for Art Surpasses Goal for Second Consecutive Year
Work for Art, an umbrella fund that raises money and awareness for arts and culture, raised $560,008 in the 2007-08 campaign that ended June 30 – surpassing its goal of $525,000 and besting last year’s total by more than 25%. The campaign includes contributions from individuals at 57 different companies in the Portland metropolitan area, several corporate matching gifts, and $230,000 in matching challenge funds from the City of Portland, Clackamas County, and Washington County.
“We are thrilled that so many employees and corporate leaders throughout the region are helping support arts organizations that provide important services in our community and throughout the state,” said Eloise Damrosch, Executive Director of the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), which oversees the Work for Art program. Additional underwriting support helps RACC distribute 100% of Work for Art donations to more than 75 local arts and culture organizations in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties through a competitive grants process.
A campaign cabinet of eight community leaders, a staff of two, and countless advocates and volunteers were responsible for the success of the 2007-08 campaign. Josie Mendoza, chair of the 2007-08 campaign, commented on the growth of Work for Art and the increasing attention being paid to arts and culture. "The arts are critical to the health of our region," she said. "More than ever before, it's clear that the arts add direct economic value. They make our communities more vibrant, they fuel our creative economy, and they teach our children to become the innovative leaders we need. With Work for Art, donors can assist dozens of arts organizations at once with a single gift."
Work for Art donors who pledge $60 or more are given special opportunities to enjoy many local arts events at discounted rates; the Arts Card benefit provides 2-for-1 tickets and other special offers to hundreds of performances, exhibits, and other arts events throughout the year. “We are helping provide opportunities for people to explore a wide breadth of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary arts, cultural arts, and film events with their friends and family, and attend events that they might not otherwise be able to afford,” said Kathryn Jackson, manager of the Work for Art program. “It’s a great way to thank our donors, and also to introduce them to the thousands of events and community services being provided in the region and statewide by these arts organizations.”
The 2008-09 campaign is just underway, with $336,859 in matching challenge incentives pledged by City of Portland and Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties already secured. This year’s campaign goal is $750,000, to be raised by June 30, 2009. Pamela Knowles, Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel for the Portland Business Alliance is chairing the campaign. Although Work for Art is primarily an employee giving program, with presentations conducted at workplaces throughout the region, anyone can participate and receive the Arts Card benefit by making a contribution to Work for Art online at www.workforart.org. Businesses in the tri-county region can also support Work for Art by making a donation directly or through a check-off option on their Business License Fee forms.
A list of participating companies, benefiting arts organizations, and other resources are available on the web at www.workforart.org.
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RACC Staff to Contact
Jeff Hawthorne
Director of Community Affairs
503.823.5258
jhawthorne@racc.org
Mary Bauer
Communications Associate
503.823.5426
mbauer@racc.org
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