Fundraising Success

Treehouse Shakers was named for the wonders of nature, the power of imagination and the excitement of dance. Like the theater, the treehouse is
a sacred space where imagination is the most potent currency and stories are the roots of the world.

This spring marks Treehouse Shakers' 15th NYC performance season. Whoa! When we began in 1997 we  had only a dream. We didn't have a business plan, a board, or even company members. We had lived in New York City only a few months. And yet, Emily and I passionately knew we wanted a company of our own.

Cupcakes by Empire Cakes, NYC for our Annual Spring Benefit

Twelve original shows later, here we are. How far we have come. We have an extraordinary board, comprised of professionals from all different fields, we have a talented company who works hard, enjoys collaboration, and takes risks. We have two directors who have somehow learned a balancing act of running a business, being creative artists, collaboration, and fundraising. Oh, yes fundraising. We never stop fundraising.

Before the Fundraising Event:: L to R: Linda Novak; Board Member, Mara, Emily, Josh Tag; Performer, Amber Ford; Performer, Sarah Young; Performer and Education Coordinator, Emily Regas; Board Member

Every spring Treehouse Shakers' hosts an annual benefit. Originally started by our then board president at his home, it has since grown by leaps and bounds. This year we held the benefit at the wonderful Moore Brothers Wine Store in Union Square. Need wine, go here. The wine is amazing! Our wonderful friends at Whimsy and Spice catered the event, Chocolate Nation had a divine tasting of chocolates, Empire Cakes donated cupcakes, Moore Brothers' David Moore was our somalier for the evening, serving some of the best wines on the planet for a tasting. This year we also had a live auction; Italian Lessons, Wine, Dinner for Two, Opera tickets, auctioneered by our board member Michael Walsh. And we were honored to have Pat Kiernan from NY1 give us an amazing introduction.

Spring Benefit 2012:: Emily, NY1's Pat Kiernan, and Mara

Over the years we have given thousands of free and low-income tickets to underserved students and families to see our work. We have seen our work performed at theaters across the nation,  created residencies in schools and even provided art workshops to teachers. Our company continues to grow, sustain and build. We sometimes stand in awe of the company, and our efforts, which doesn't last long; there is always so much to do.

Treehouse Shakers' Packed Benefit

This year's party though was a success. Long time supporters, new friendly faces, performers, board members and committee members filled the space. All of these supporters helped us reach our fundraising goal for the evening. Yet we can't stop. There is always more to raise. More tickets to give, rehearsal pay increase for our performers, performance expenses and administrative fees to pay.

Here's a few fun facts about Treehouse Shakers:

In 2010, Treehouse Shakers served 6,000 students; in 2011 we served 9,865 students. 70% of which were from Title One schools.

68% of our budget goes directly into program expenses, with the remaining allocated to general operating and fundraising.

Each year the company dedicates over 1,850 hours of rehearsal to ensure high quality programs.

For now though, we are happy to be celebrating our 15th season, premiering our new work Hatched: Life on the Farm. We continue to enthusiastically imagine where our company will branch out next.

Tax-deducible donations to Treehouse Shakers can be made online at:
Treehouse Shakers

Or send a check to:
Treehouse Shakers, Inc.
Radio City Station
P.O. Box 186
New York, NY 10101-0186

Thank you for supporting the power of imagination!