It's no secret that Dolores Mission functions primarily on the generosity of the people in LA who have money. As a result, I have attended two fundraising dinners in the last two weeks, have "rubbed elbows" with the "elite" of the community, and have observed the etiquette that comes with asking people for money. I have also observed how the willingness of others to share that with which God has blessed them has helped countless people in Boyle Heights and have been amazed at the readiness with which these people share.
Last night's fundraiser for Dolores Mission's (DM) art program serves as a great example: As they started the recognition/fundraiser portion of the evening (after fabulous hors d'oeuvres, a delicious fajita buffet and an open margarita bar), Father Scott (DM's pastor) shared with everyone that an anonymous person in the crowd made an incredible offer: if the crowd raised $12,500, that person would match the donation, helping DM get half way to their goal of $40,000.
Before the night was over, the event raised $45,000 for the art program. And it wasn't even a huge party - mainly family and friends of DM's art teacher and her parents. While that might seem like a huge budget for an art program, it's a bi-annual budget that covers all art-related expenses, including a newly remodeled art room, supplies and trips to art museums in LA (next week is the field trip to the Museum of Latin American Art, and I'm excited to be a chaperone!!!).
By offering a chunk of their change, these people have enabled DM's kids to express themselves in a positive way. Amid the the junk and violence and hardness in their lives, the kids can become absorbed in creativity and step out of their reality, even just for a little while.
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