The Spovangelist

A mid-sized city miracle!

The Spovangelist header image 2

Warming up to a Generous Winter

November 4th, 2009 by The Spovangelist

When I worked as an annual fund caller at my alma mater, I dreaded asking people close to my own age for their money. Every once in a while a recent grad would get incredulous. “Are you kidding me? I already owe that school over $70,000, and you’re asking for more?” But what is an annual $15 donation compared to tens of thousands of dollars made available in the form of financial aid?

Like with anything people don’t think of very often, personal philanthropy is something folks have to get familiar with on their own. What total annual amount they can expect themselves to contribute, and some kind of criteria by which decisions are made say a lot about a person’s awareness, values and orientation. While it’s well known that poorer people give a larger percentage of their wealth than the rich, I’d be interested to learn what giving trends are across age groups.

Aside from cold cash, I believe young people are one of the more generous groups when it comes to giving their time and talent. In some ways young people are rich; with no mortgage or children to lock them into a routine or responsibilities, many are able to seek out new experiences and cultivate first-hand empathy for those less fortunate. An excellent example of this is the annual Caterina Coat/Vitamin/Underwear/Socks Drive taking place this Saturday, where a diverse cross-section of the local music scene has banded together to support the House of Charity.

NOV7th

Artists include: Space Age Fur, Kevin Long, Jaeda, Cheap Meat Suits, Anadonia, Matthew Winters, Kim Wescott, Som Jordan, Joylissa Vleck, Kurt Olson, and Jason Corcoran.

Sponsors include: Caterina Winery, Aaron Schaber Design, TheSomShow.com, Broham Entertainment, Audio Affiliated and Platform Booking.

Last year’s show was a project of the nascent Wonderground Collective, and was an enormous success that resulted in a mountain of donated goods piled up at the end of the night. If you are curious about what local music has to offer, this benefit show will be an outstanding smorgasbord of the talent resident right here in Spokane. If you can’t make it on down to Caterina Winery (905 N. Washington) this Saturday at 6pm, consider sending a friend or two in your stead. The show is all-ages and family-friendly. Bring your kids/parents/neighbors/coworkers and make it a night!

Posters from last year’s benefit:

coatdrivecaroline

Tags:   · · · · 5 Comments

Leave A Comment

5 responses so far ↓

  • 1 jon Nov 5, 2009 at 6:42 am

    The event last year was truly wonderful. i wish you great success this year as well!

  • 2 Patrick Kendrick Nov 6, 2009 at 2:35 am

    Thank you Jon.

  • 3 Check It Nov 13, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    A great review of this event from CheckItOutMusic.com:

    http://www.checkitoutmusic.com/caterina_benefit.html

  • 4 Thankful Words Nov 26, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    [...] We believe in local giving. [...]

  • 5 Save the Seven Jan 11, 2010 at 3:32 am

    [...] historic status if it weren’t for a remodeled facade. It was apparently the location for the House of Charity back in the 70’s, after the organization was ousted from Riverfront Park to make way for [...]