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Work for Art tries for seven figures

By Barry Johnson
September 4, 2015
News & Notes

Since it started nine years ago, Work for Art has channeled $6.2 million straight into the hands of local arts groups. This year the workplace giving program established by the Regional Arts & Culture Council is aiming higher. The goal? One million bucks.

wfa-logo-onwhiteThat would be a big jump from last year, when Work for Art raised a little more than $750,000 from the nearly 2,000 employees at 76 companies that participate. But the campaign, announced by RACC on Thursday and led by David Lofland, President of KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington, and Portland Timbers President of Business Operations Mike Golub, is confident:  “Our past supporters are stepping up with extraordinary commitments for this year’s million-dollar campaign, which will help local arts organizations provide even more exceptional programs and services in the future,” Lofland said.

Some important Work for Art facts:

  • Money raised from employee donations is matched by a consortium of public and private partners.
  • All of the money raised goes directly to eligible arts groups—no administrative fees are tacked on.
  • Employees who give $60 or more receive an Arts Card, which allows them to get two-for-one tickets at a host of arts events for a year.
  • Although Work for Art is primarily a workplace giving program, anyone can participate by making a donation online at workforart.org. Donors who pledge $60 or more receive an Arts Card.

Oregon has some excellent ways to support the arts, including the Oregon Cultural Trust, and Work for Art is one of the best. RACC suggests that if you want YOUR company to participate, contact Kathryn Jackson, Work for Art Manager, at 503-823-5424 or kjackson@racc.org.

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