Girl Monday Presents Kind Voices for Tough Times: AOK Cabaret
By: Gabrielle Sierra Feb. 16, 2010
When times are tight, even the most generous pockets become empty. Performers know this better than most. Even in the best times, they don't make much, so they can't give much. And when people are not spending money on extras like entertainment, audiences - and incomes - get even smaller.
But just because performers' pockets are empty doesn't mean their hearts aren't full.
A group of Chicago-area cabaret artists are using their talents to lend a hand to other struggling non-profits. Acts Of Kindness Cabaret is proving that art is not only an endeavor that needs financial support, but one that can provide it as well.Hilary Ann Feldman, frustrated at her individual inability to give money, found colleagues of like minds and hearts, and formed Acts Of Kindness Cabaret, a not-for-profit association of cabaret professionals who provide professional cabaret performances, largely free of charge, as fundraising events for other non-profits. Since 2005, Acts Of Kindness Cabaret benefits have raised nearly $150,000 for other local non-profit organizations. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement."By using cabaret performance to help our communities, we introduce new audiences to our wonderful, but little-know art form, and we also introduce cabaret artists and fans to outstanding organizations in their communities. Perhaps most importantly, audiences see us doing what we can with what we have, and they are often inspired to do the same. It is truly remarkable," says Feldman.-April 24th, to benefit the Women's Exchange in Winnetka
-May 1st, somewhere in Chicago, to benefit Tree House (Venue TBA)
-July 17th, at Temple Judah Mizpah in Skokie, to benefit the Niles Township Food PantryPLEASE VISIT www.actsofkindnesscabaret.org
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