Help Bring First Night Back to Tacoma
Word had started to trickle out. Could it be true? First Night is back? It is true and the group responsible is working hard to make this year a huge success. Of course, they could use some help. Do you want to be part of the fun and help bring First Night Back to Tacoma?
Here’s the official message:
Tacoma’s internationally recognized First Night Tacoma-Pierce County celebration is coming back this New Year’s Eve for First Night 2008. Held in more than 100 cities around the globe, First Night is an opportunity for friends and families to say farewell to the old year and hello to the new one in a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and, most of all, fabulously FUN environment.
In Tacoma, this celebration went on for more than a decade until organizers had to cancel the 2006 celebration due to an unexpected fundraising shortfall. Many artists, vendors and staff went unpaid. Efforts to pay these talented folks have continued, as did the dream of reviving Tacoma’s First Night celebration.
For two years, a small group of individuals has continued to work toward bringing First Night Tacoma-Pierce County back, and create a stronger organization that would revive this much-loved celebration for generations to come.
Several “First Night Angels” have already stepped forward, and First Night’s debt has been whittled down to less than $8,000. Now, the Metro Parks Foundation has offered a challenge grant. If $4,000 can be raised from family, friends and First Night fans, the Metro Parks Foundation will match that number and First Night will officially be back – and in the black. Every dollar raised above this threshhold will go toward helping make sure that First Night Tacoma-Pierce County will thrive for years to come.
Here are some ways you can be part of reviving First Night festivities:
1. Be an Angel. Big donations will take First Night far, but so will small ones. First Night organizers will be looking for sponsors over the coming months, but if even 40 people donate $100 each, or 400 people donate $10 each, their debts will be paid off and the group will be eligible for more grant money and funds from other sources. And remember, donations are tax deductible! Please send donations to First Night Tacoma-Pierce County at P.O. Box 1861, Tacoma WA 98402.
2. Volunteer. Time and talent are just as needed as treasure. Starting in May, First Night organizers plan to have an information booth at the Farmer’s Market on Broadway in downtown Tacoma. They’re also working on an October fundraiser that should be a fun time for all. And then, of course, there’s First Night itself. You, too, can say, “I was a part of something fabulous,” when the clock strikes 12.
3. Feedback. What did you like about past First Nights? What stories do you have to tell? What events, activities or music would you like to see in the future? First night organizers want to hear about what worked and what didn’t, and what you’d like to see!
4. Help share the good news!
Check www.myspace.com/firstnighttacoma for more information. A separate website is in the works and coming soon.
Update
Here are images from the Figure Head Roll in 2004
Thank you Claudia and John