Answer: Call or email Jill Cooper at (206) 719.6852 or info@PHFFFT.org and inform her of your intent, she can suggest restaurants in the area (although some food will be served) then invite your friends to accompany you to the benefit. Jill can arrange group seating for you and your party.

Provide a completed guest list by 5pm April 7th to Jill Cooper at Jill@PHFFFT.org or mail to The Phffft ! Company, 5609 34th Ave Seattle, WA 98126

Call all guests by April 1, to remind them about the event.

Attend the April 8th benefit with your guests.

Question: How do I invite People?

Answer: The best way is to go through your address book and think about people you know who care about arts, underserved communities and comunity revitalization. While it is always easier to invite guests who have heard of PHFFFT!, there may be no better opportunity to introduce new people to the company's work and educate them about the activities the company conducts affecting the community.

Let your guests know that their participation will directly impact the lives of families, children, and local businesses in the underserved Delridge community. Every voice makes a difference and also encourages others to be advocates of arts access for all.

If someone cannot attend, make sure to send a postcard with a private note giving them them the opportunity to contribute. The PHFFFT! website is located at the bottom of the benefit postcard. Donations can be accepted with all credit cards.

Question: What do I say when I would like to invite someone to the benefit?

You: Hi "John", this is "Jane". How are you doing?

John: Great! How are you? How was your vacation?

You: Excellent. The reason I am calling is I have been working with an exciting professional dance company that is doing great work with underserved children and youth.

John: What ís the organization?

You: The Phffft! (pronounced like "FFFT")

John: That's a funny name.

You: Yes, it is. They have a good sense of humor. They perform internationally but are located right here in Seattle in our community and are dedicated to bringing dance to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. They are currently holding a benefit to provide performances, classes and workshops to children and youth free of charge at the new Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. They have assembled a star-studded cast of companies to perform as well: Pat Graney Company, Spectrum Dance, Molly Sheldon Scott/Jarrad Powell. The company has a record of partnering with other organizatios such as Artscorps, Nature Consortium, BAYFEST, and now Youngstown to bring dance to schools and community centers in the hardest hit areas where students speak over 30 languages and often have little or NO arts exposure at all.

John: Well, that sounds like a great company and a great cause.

You: It is, and I hope that you would consider pledging something for the benefit. We are trying to raise $10,000. Anything you could give would make a difference.

John: Hmmm, things are kind of busy right now...

You: I know, we're all busy. But the benefit will only take two hours out of your day. You will enjoy seeing all of the best companies in Seattle in one place and it will make such a big difference when a child or adolescent is able, sometimes for the first time, to participate in a dance class or see a high-quality dance performance. The Phffft! Company has performed in eight US states and throughout Europe and Latin America. It is such a treat for these kids and youth to see their work and get a chance to actually dance with them in a class. I'm asking you to take just two hours out of one day. It will be fun and your generosity will allow PHFFFT! to impact the families in Delridge in a positive, constructive and creative way. There is a reception before hand, we can get a drink and catch up a little and see the performance at 8pm.

John: Okay, I'll come with you. When should I be there?

You: It starts at 7:15 at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW (West Seattle). I will meet you in the lobby and we can go in together.

NOTE: It always makes a greater impact if you contact your guests personally to ask them to join you at the benefit. It has been proven that this is really the most effective way to garner support and build attendance. If your guests receive a generic card in the mail or pick one up somewhere, it does not generate the same excitement about being apart of an important movement in the community.

EVENT DETAILS:

When:
April 8th
Reception 7:15 p.m. " Performance 8:00 p.m.

Where:
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW (West Seattle)
Click here for directions!