Celebrating Cultural Impact
Last night, Hither Yon and its STEEM PARK collaborators attended the first major fundraising event for the Herbert von King Conservancy to represent the Steemit Platform and make sure our voice was heard!
The event celebrated and raised awareness for Herbert von King park's previous grant by the fashion brand UNIQLO who donated $20,000 for an artist to install a public work. We were invited to attend by the conservancy leader Wayne and the chosen artist Musa who we introduced in last week's post. All attendees were able to hear directly from the artist and how we all intend to spark some real substantial change in the Bed-Stuy gem.
Wayne has put together an incredible Board of Directors and we're excited to be able to engage with them as we move forward with STEEM PARK. They're all committed to helping build up a robust program, community, and resource pool for the conservancy to draw from.
That being said, so much work has to be done on the ground to build up Herbert von King and STEEM PARK so that leave a lasting, beneficially indelible impact. That's where we come in of course.
The Main Problem with Existing Fundraising Models
So here's the brutal truth. Over the last few years, the non-profits led by Wayne have raised impressive support and publicity. He's been able to channel hundreds of thousands of raised capital into organization, events, and public efforts to improve the community. But the funds fall short again and again. The existing donation model is not sustainable.
An effort such as the development of Herbert von King park is a never-ending effort and funds and attention have to be invested into the park on an ongoing basis. It is literally a living asset and will require not just our current support, but the cultural commitment of each successive generation.
- How much would you give? Now? Next month?
As the traditional means of raising funds, singular donations will perpetually keep a cause like this in a vulnerable state. I've spoken to representatives at Bryant Park and Central Park and even they, despite those locations being world-class, plane-ticket-buying-inducing cultural destinations, are consistently concerned about current and future funds. They understand that without external support, all of their efforts fall to the ground.
And so last night's fundraiser really solidified the need to push on our end a new economic model of engagement that would allow us and these institutions to thrive without fear of losing a donor paycheck. With STEEM PARK, we want to be able to empower these citizens so that they may take the economic trajectory of their local asset into their own hands.
We at Hither Yon have never been more resolute that our community on Steemit will bring about a philanthropic revolution!
Side Note: the Bathroom of the Host was Incredible
By the way, the host Joe who used to run Madison Square Park, has an incredible washroom.
- Batman Style
NOTE : 100% of the payout rewards from this post will go towards the realization of the Steem Park project. Thank you all so much for your support. Steem on!
