By Margie Doyle

Wouldn’t it indeed be nice if our highly-regarded non-profits, like those providing cultural expression and entertainment; permanent affordable housing; and exhibitions of our rich past—to name three outstanding island institutions—could make a go of it, year in and year out, from just admission receipts, membership drives and volunteers’ work?

But they can’t—even with the most frugal of budgets. And so they create elaborate, imaginative, fun and informative events, usually with the unpaid work of their boards, to produce a notable event, or gala, requiring a significant financial contribution.

It would be a dream come true if the budgets of most working-class islanders could accommodate one or two tickets over $100 to attend one of these events. On the other hand, through the continued  fundraising events — including the high-ticket affairs — of these organizations, world-class opera and theater comes to islanders at the Orcas Center at the cost of $15/ticket, a fraction of what such a performance would cost in Seattle, not counting the time and travel involved; and permanent, affordable housing is within reach of hundreds of low-income islanders, who yes, are not financially able to attend OPAL’s annual dinner. Even the Historical Society’s upcoming Salish Feast, with support from the Outlook Inn, comes with a hefty ticket price; which enables lowered admission costs to the Museum’s outstanding exhibits, many in collaboration with institutions of higher learning such as the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Washington, is a cost that most islanders can work into their budget a couple of times a year.

And then consider the partnerships and outreach these, and most island organizations, provide at little or no cost: instruction, consultations, camps, lobbying, subsidies, events, leadership and recognition of volunteers.

Those who not only value these and other benefits, but who can also contribute to the organizations’ continued operations, are real lifelines to continue the work. The galas and dinners are fun events, yes, but they’re also critically important business affairs.

And the whole community, including employees, benefits. The bottom line is that without the contributions of  “those who have money,” the rest of us cannot benefit.

And if you really want to go to the party, perhaps there is a volunteer slot you can fill.

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