Sacramento Society Seeks to Raise $50,000

Citing a loss in sponsor revenue and donations, the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society has issued an appeal to members and volunteers to raise $50,000 to meet 2017 Music Festival expenses, cover current monthly operations and pay down existing debt. Describing the situation as “dire,” STJS president Dave Becker explained the need for this financial infusion in a letter to the membership. He writes: “All non-profit organizations are constructed like a 4-legged piano bench. The four legs are: 1) Fund-raising events (such as our Music Festival); 2) Memberships; 3) Sponsors; and 4) Donations. If even one of the legs falls short, the bench cannot stand solidly. That is the position in which STJS finds itself this year. “We made a modest profit from the 2016 Music Festival and continue to make modest profits on other events such as our Second Sunday concerts. Also, our Membership has been slowly growing again. However, we have fallen short on Sponsorships this year, and Donations have been nearly nothing. “If we don't raise money immediately, we may be forced to close our doors, and if that happens, we will lose our beloved STJS and the Sacramento Music Festival, a tradition in Old Sacramento over Memorial Day weekend for the past 46 years. “Sadly, many Festivals across the nation have faced similar circumstances and have had to close their doors forever. But wit