I get many calls from people asking me to donate my services as an entertainer. I am full of gratitude for the many blessings in my life. That gratitude makes it my pleasure to give back, pay forward, or how ever you view this.
At least under the right circumstances…
Here are my general guidelines.
1) It has to be something I believe in. Everyone has their particular interests; mine are focused on people. Don’t call me for a “save the whales” campaign, or a rally to support squirrels in the park, or a sit-in to protest high rent on campus. And don’t ask me to donate my services to help raise money for the travel soccer team. Do ask me to participate in efforts to serve those who are trying to live a normal life, but struggling from disease, addiction, etc.
2) The performance should be for the people who are being served. I am happy to discuss a performance for cancer survivors, sufferers, and families of those who have died from cancer. But, don’t ask me to donate my services at a $100/plate fund raising dinner for cancer research. This applies directly to service organizations. If the event is for those your organization serves, I will consider it. If it is for the organization itself, sorry. However, I do discount my rates for service organizations.
3) All entertainers at the event should be treated equally. I am always astounded to get calls for an event where they are paying a DJ, a photographer, etc., but they want me to do my show for free.
4) The event needs to be close to my home. I can’t afford to drive 100+ miles and donate the show. Sorry. Even if I believe in the cause, I can’t afford to do this. However, if I can work your show into travel plans for another event, I will do my best to accommodate you.
One last thing is that I reserve the right to cancel a donated show so that I can accept a paying gig. This is something I’m very up front about when I agree to do a donated show. I’ve never had to do this, but please understand that this is what I do for a living now. And, since most of my paying gigs are booked many weeks in advance, I don’t expect to cancel a donated performance at the last minute.
Here are a couple events I’ve done several times and will gladly do again.
- Camp City Year – a day camp program for kids in the city who otherwise have nowhere to go during spring break
- Good Neighbors Picnic – an annual event to provide Columbus’ homeless with a good meal, some clothes and a few hours of fun
April 9, 2008 at 2:16 pm |
this is cool!
December 5, 2008 at 10:40 am |
[...] also actively seeking opportunities to donate performances. These fall into my guidelines that I spelled out in an earlier posting. Last night I got to do one of these. I did 3 hours of [...]