Introduction
My name is Alex Rivera and I am musician from Dallas, Texas. Since 2012, I have put together an event called the Puss 'n' Pooch Jazz Night. It's an event where my band and some of my fellow musician/vocalist friends come together and play/sing to help raise funds for the North Texas Pet Food Pantry. The North Texas Pet Food Pantry helps out local shelters, rescue outfits and individuals who are unable to provide for their pets with pet food. They rely strictly on volunteers and donations.
I started this event because I wanted to do something positive for the animal rescue community. While everyone likes to champion the causes of bigger organizations such as the SPCA and Operation Kindness, there are smaller, lesser known groups whose work is equally important that don't get the funding that these more well known organization do. So on a suggestion from a friend of mine, I talked this organization and they were more than happy to let me do this event for them and so in August 2012, the 1st Puss 'n' Pooch Jazz Night was held at Bryan St. Tavern in East Dallas and we raised about $700. This year, we will be having the event at Ten Bells Tavern in Oak Cliff and we're hoping to raise at least $1000 for the North Texas Pet Food Pantry.
What Is Needed
Fortunately, because we have a venue like Ten Bells hosting the event, the only real cost to the event is the band. While I don't take any funds for this event, I don't feel that I can ask my musicians to do the same. All of my guys are professional musicians and this is what they do for a living and I don't think they should have to work for free.
Because the expense for the band would come from what will be collected from the Puss 'n' Pooch benefit, We would like to limit their expense as much as possible by doing an online fundraiser for them prior to the event. That way, anything they collect on that evening goes directly to them. All we are needing for the event is a modest $300 or $75/person for the 4 other members of the quintet. Since Indiegogo requires a $500 minimum, anything collected over what is needed will go directly to the North Texas Pet Food Pantry to cover additional expenses such as printing flyers, etc.
The Perks
To help jump start this venture, we are offering an early opportunity at buying "vouchers" in advance of the event to use there. This will allow folks who might not be able to attend an opportunity to still participate and contribute to the cause.
The Impact
Anything that is contributed will help lessen the burden the expenses of the North Texas Pet Food Pantry. Every dollar less towards expenses is a dollar towards helping to provide food for an animal in need. The folks at the North Texas Pet Food Pantry can make a dollar stretch a long ways so just imagine what they could do with a little extra assistance from you!
Thank You
For taking the time to look over this campaign. If you are unable to contribute, please take the time to possibly consider volunteering for the North Texas Pet Food Pantry.