I have taken it upon myself as my mission to provide production assistance, particularly PA systems, to local non-profit organizations that I feel are doing noble work in our community. This has included Venice Community Housing Corporation, Inside/Out, Venice Arts Council, Venice Ecofest, The Abbot Kinney Festival, Center for the Study of Political Graphics, Unity in Diversity Council.
I do not view this as a commercial enterprise. It is to me an exercise in helping these organizations improve the quality of their events with my gentlemanly attention to their needs, the performers needs, the requirements of the production. My goal is to be a value added proposition. I often
charge money for this on a sliding scale. My highly subjective criteria are outlined below. If I see an event spending lots of money on other event services, like chairs, tables, stage, lights, etc then I feel more inclined to charge more. However I do charge probably half of what the other local sound system providers charge. I view the difference as my in-kind donation to their organization. Though I may be paid $300.00 for a 12 hour workday, I view it as having provided $300 in in-kind services. I hire friends to help and keep incrementally buying newer gear. This all started when I would rent sound gear, run the show, and then find I was taking the majority of the funds raised to pay for the rentals. So I bought my own gear during a good year.
However these efforts put me in a dilemma. Local tradesmen (other sound system providers) view me as driving the price down for their services. Yet local event producers, who may not know me well, view me as another expense to their fundraiser, unless they can convince me to work for free.
Progressiveness: - How left wing is it?
Authenticity of the Cause: - Is this a one-shot general funds benefit, or related to specific actions and issues.
Charitableness: Who benefits.
Do I like the music: Who is playing.
Do I know the Band: Are they already my friends?
Is the Organization's Founder or event producer my close personal friend:
What is the annual Budget of the Organization?:
What is the Event Budget:
How much is the event organizer being paid:
Techincal Requirements: Extent of gear needed, possible rentals
Workday Requirements: Length of Hours
Labor Requirements: Extra workers required?
