Wampum Changes Fund-Raising Format
Changing the direction of Wampum, Spokane’s largest fund-raiser for the arts, only makes good business sense, according to its leaders.
Wampum’s annual gala to help support the area’s cultural organizations will be Saturday in the DoubleTree Hotel City Center. But with a much different profile. This year, black ties will be loosened and long gowns shortened for a swinging jazz party right out of the ‘40s. There also will be more entertainment and a shorter auction for a more fun party atmosphere.
Members reassessed Wampum’s direction, recognizing that it is no longer the only high-end black-tie auction in town. In recent years, other dress-up galas have competed for fund-raising dollars. So this year, to appeal to a wider audience, things have changed.
“Until now, we have restricted our appeal to people who can afford to pay a high ticket price to attend the event and who enjoy wearing formal attire,” said Janice Perry, spokeswoman. “Unfortunately, those criteria exclude many people who otherwise would like to attend and support the arts.”
President Harley Reckord said that after 31 successful years, Wampum’s “a big ship to turn in one year,” but he acknowledged the time has come for it to remain viable.
Wampum means more than just a big party with a formal dinner, dancing, auctions and more. Statistics show that it’s economically prudent to support the arts.
A 1998 study performed by the Spokane Arts Commission and the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce found that the arts has about a $61 million impact on the greater Spokane area, Reckord said.
The arts sector employs more than nine of the area’s largest 17 manufacturing businesses.
Because Wampum’s ever-present auction has been down-sized this year, the group is seeking corporate sponsors.
“A business that becomes a corporate sponsor of Wampum is making a statement that a strong arts community is very important to the quality of life in our area,” Reckord said.
“It impacts jobs, our economy, opportunities for children, entertainment choices and many other facets of life in this region,” he said.
Some of the 20 organizations to benefit from Wampum are the Children’s Museum of Spokane, Eastern Washington State Historical Society and Cheney Cowles Museum, the Festival at Sandpoint, Spokane Art School, Spokane Civic Theatre, Spokane Symphony, Interplayers and KPBX-FM Spokane Public Radio.
Wampum officials hope to raise $120,000 this year.
COMING UP Join the fun “Swing Into the Wampum Lounge” begins Saturday at 5 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel City Center with music by the Spokane Jazz Society. Tickets are $150, with dress tagged for black tie or business suit. For more information, call 328-9205.