Fun With Fundraising

by Janice Peters

"Let's put on a show!" It's a classic line from the movies, and the results always look so easy. Well, it's not so easy, but it sure is fun.

The idea for Morro Bay's annual Fundraiser Follies originated in 2007, when the City, due to budget constraints, could no longer provide free support services for local events. Variety show fundraisers have been successful for years in San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Cambria, and since I'd participated in the Women's Shelter show at the Madonna Inn for several years, I was familiar with the format and thought it would work on a smaller scale in Morro Bay.

It's one thing to have a grand vision, but you need a lot of people willing to share their time and talents to make it a reality. Fortunately, Nancy Castle shares my theatrical enthusiasm, so she agreed to be the director. Joan Powell, a professional dancer, signed on to help with the acts. Bob Lloyd provided technical expertise and Kathy Aulbach, Ann Reisner, Nancy Johnson and Susan Brown also volunteered their time.

We wanted to create a unique atmosphere for the show, more nightclub than theater, so we decided on the Community Center auditorium filled with the dining tables from the Market St. restaurant property. On the day of the 2008 show, our 4-person volunteer crew carted in over 100 tables, chairs and stools, all of which needed thorough cleaning…that took several hours! Joe Woods and his Recreation and Parks crew set up the platform stage, which we then decorated. Nancy Johnson decorated the room and the tables.

The AGP crew came in with their lighting and sound equipment, and things were looking pretty good when, at about 2 p.m., the rainstorm that was brewing got serious and blew an electrical transformer right outside the Community Center. The power went out through most of the city. Only the panicked whites of our eyes were visible in the darkness. "Emergency generators," said Bob Lloyd.

I turned to him and Nancy and pleaded, "Make magic happen." They did.

By 5 p.m., the magicians at AGP (Steve Mathieu and Billy Clayton had also been recruited for crisis control) had powered the entire show with the City's emergency generators and miles of extension cords. The lobby was lit with another extension cord running from Gary Englund's motor home in the parking lot. It was raining. The power was still out all over town. And at 6:30, undaunted, the audience started arriving.

Our debut production was themed "Morro Bay's Got Talent!" and included a flag ceremony by the Coast Guard, a violin solo by a local student, numbers by the Chamber of Commerce and City staff, a dance routine by the Planning Commission, an opera duet and several other vocal performances. Our MC, Councilmember Bill Peirce, was able to add humor to our technical challanges. The show went on before a standing room only crowd and, to the delight of all, it was a hit! That first year we were able to defray $1552 in permit and use fees for local events.

Flushed with our success, in spite of (or perhaps helped by) the weather, we decided to do two performances for 2009, and add some amenities. Dan Reddell and Morro Bay Rotary offered to operate a wine, beer, and soft drink bar. Newly elected Councilmembers Noah Smukler and Carla Borchard served pizza to accompany the cookies baked by the Morro Bay Seniors. Trina Dougherty signed on as Stage Manager and created a beautiful fabric Rock for the stage set. Joan Solu became our server coordinator. Once again, Hay Printing donated the posters and Mills ASAP donated the programs.

The 2009 show, "Morro Rocks!" included original songs, line dancing, group numbers and comedy routines. The two shows were both well attended, and that year we distributed $2340 to local events' costs.

For 2010, we opted for a shorter, tighter show, eliminating the MC and requiring more rehearsals by our performers. Jill Garcia joined our production team and created a cast information display for the lobby. Jesse Anton signed on as vocal coach. Jude Long managed the backstage. Don Doubledee set the stage and designed a lighted Broadway marquis sign. Ed Krovitz and Ani Lyn donated their services coordinating sales and volunteers. Terrific publicity was provided by Judy Salamacha and Neil Farrell.

"Broadway by the Bay" included a wide variety of music, with audience singalongs, tango dancing and some show-stopping singing performances. (Look for the video on Channel 20 if you missed the show!) Our Friday show was standing room only and Saturday nearly sold out as well. The accounting is not complete yet, but our distributable profits should again exceed the previous year's.

The Fundraiser Follies was created during my term as Mayor, but I fully intend to continue producing the show as long as the Council approves the event. For the record, Follies revenue is held in a separate fund and City costs are paid before the profits are distributed, so there is no impact on the General Fund.

It's thrilling to see the Follies become a success, and I've listed all the many supporters, donors and performers who have contributed to that success at the end of this article. But the best result is the joy we are sharing with the community. I get calls from people who attended the performances or watched them later on Channel 20, and all of them express their delight at the incredible talent we have in our community. That's the real reason we'll continue to "put on a show!"

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