Welcome to the NYCGMC 2020 Membership Fundraising Drive!
October means fundraising: October is one of my favorite months in NYC, and while it brings a few things that I do not really need or appreciate (like the ubiquitous Pumpkin Spice!) it also brings some things that I really do need and appreciate, like the opportunity to ask for your support to help a fabulous, non-profit, LGBTQ+ Community Arts organization that I have been a proud member of for almost twenty years: the New York City Gay Men's Chorus (NYCGMC).
The Pandemic hit us hard: When the Covid pandemic forced everything to shut down in early 2020, NYCGMC faced the same fate as most people and organizations in NYC: we had to stop doing what we always did, and figure out how to survive. Like many NYers, we weathered that storm, and we now look forward to doing what NYCGMC has always done best: producing amazing concert performances and conducting important LGBTQ+ community outreach. But without being able to solicit donations or generate funding over the past two years, we find ourselves in even greater need of financial support than ever before as we head into our 2022-23 season.
We're ready to go: With the generosity and support of my friends and family, I'm sure that NYCGMC will rise up like the proverbial Phoenix from the grey ashes of Covid, and once again inspire our supporters and loyal audience members with our vibrant, musical rainbow of song. If you're not already convinced to go ahead and make a donation today by cicking on the "Donate Now" button on this page, andr need a little more inspiration or encouragement, here are some descriptions of who we are, what we do, why we truly need your support today more than ever, and what you can expect from us in the future:
Who we are: Comprised of over 300 talented singers of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences, across a diverse spectrum of gender identity and sexual orientation, NYCGMC welcomed over 50 new members this season who hail from across the US, Canada and abroad. NYCGMC is actively engaged in how we can be stronger, more creative, and more productive by working together and embracing our different views and backgrounds, rather than struggling individually, or in creative isolation.
What we do: NYCGMC is an internationally renowned performing arts institution that utilizes the power of song to challenge people’s perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community, combat fear and hatred, encourage compassion and human connection, and delight our audiences with inspiring performances. For over forty years, NYCGMC has been a champion of social justice, embracing the values of diversity, inclusion, intersectionality, and equity for all. With the turbulent nature of the current social, political, and legal environment, these goals are just as important in 2022 as they were in back in 1979.
Why we need your support: As a non-profit community arts organization, NYCGMC faces the same exorbitant costs as any for-profit organization that is involved with preparing and producing live concert performances or doing community outreach in NYC. And while we do have to compete with them for ticket sales, grants and funding, we do not have the kinds of cash flow, infrastructure, resources, office space, or paid staffing that they enjoy. Indeed, we have drastically reduced all of our costs and expenses since 2019 - but we still can't do succeed without additional funding from people like you.
I'm hoping that you will find it in your heart to help us keep producing the kind of LGBTQ+ art, entertainment, and inspiration that we have been known for since 1979. With your help, our 2022-23 season will be as impressive as any we've had in the past, and might even be our best season ever!
Our performances, past, present, and future: NYCGMC’s 2022-23 season will consist of three major concerts, in December 2022, March 2023, and June 2023. For more information and ticket sales, please visit us at: www.nycgmc.org. Tickets for the Holiday show in December are available online now; please use DONOR10 to get a 10% discount!
In addition to our three mainstage shows, NYCGMC annually presents over forty outreach activities across all five boroughs and beyond. Outreach performances in previous years have included appearances at LGBTQ+ teen homeless shelters, at SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ elders), and at corporate and public pride celebrations. NYCGMC has performed throughout the five boroughs, and beyond. Our television appearances on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, and Last Week Tonight have provided a national platform for our mission. In June 2022, we performed in the 75th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. NYCGMC’s public school outreach program has also served over 2,000 NYC students in middle and high schools.
Through technical assistance and joint concerts in such diverse places as Miami, Denver, London, Dublin, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta, mexico, we have actively supported and participated in the development of LGBTQ+ choruses in the USA and abroad, and are currently working with musical resources in Puerto Rico to help establish the first-ever Gay Men's Chorus of San Juan.
Please make your donation today: because of the generous contributions that you have made on my page over the seven years that NYCGMC has conducted this fundraising effort, I have been the #1 fundraiser twice, and the #2 in two other years! I'm hoping to return to the #1 spot again this year, especially since nobody in NYCGMC has ever been #1 three times. And please note: no matter how modest (or extravagant!) your donation might be, you can definitely help me become #1, because the calculation is based on a combination of two factors: 1) the number of dollars raised, AND 2) the number of unique donors who contribute. That means your personal investment in this campaign is every bit as valuable as your financial investment.
With your the help, I know I can earn that #1 ranking again. This year's campaign ends on Monday, Oct. 31, but please make your donation TODAY. Thanks in advance!
