Faith in Action Moves 19th Annual Benefit Concert Online
Georgetown, TX – After decades of providing live entertainment to the community, Faith in Action is moving its annual fundraiser to a virtual platform due to COVID. At 7 p.m. on September 17, people can view the concert, featuring performances from choirs, small ensembles, soloists and even instrumentalists, on facebook and YouTube. All acts are pre-recorded.
Like most nonprofits hit hard by the Coronavirus, Faith in Action has had to pivot its services as well as its fundraising model. The event, which is usually held at First Baptist Church of Georgetown, typically pulls in more than $7,000 in donations from offerings on the night of the event, allowing the organization to continue its services to seniors in the community.
“This is a new platform for us for sure,” said Executive Director Vickie Orcutt. “But, it’s giving us an opportunity to reach more people and hopefully enough people will come together and support us during the broadcast that we can continue to thrive during these trying times.”
Those wishing to support the organization ahead of time can visit their event page at bit.ly/FIAGConcert where they can make donations or purchase luminaries or pre-purchase watch baskets.
“We have lots of creative ways for people to support us during this virtual benefit, said Miranda Bradley, Development and Marketing Director. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate.”
Luminaries can be purchased to honor or memorialize a loved one during the concert, where the honoree’s name will appear in the closing credits as well as on social media leading up to the event. Watch baskets contain popcorn donated by City Lights Theatre, movie theater candy, FIAG branded items, a printed program and coupons from businesses around town. Each are just $25.
Another change in this year’s program will be the addition of The Daytripper’s Chet Garner acting as emcee. He will help educate viewers about the nonprofit while touting giveaways throughout the broadcast.
While this year feels different, the most important thing is that the organization continues providing safe transportation alternatives to seniors, said Orcutt.
“It’s no secret that nonprofits are hurting right now. But the fact is, we have to remain solvent so we can continue providing services to our seniors,” she said. “Otherwise, where are they going to turn?”
To donate to the event or purchase luminaries and watch baskets, visit their website atwww.FaithInActionGT.org or bit.ly/FIAGConcert. To tune in to the event, visit Faith in Action’s website at 7 p.m., September 17: www.FaithInActionGT.org/benefit-concert.html.
To meet the needs of seniors in Georgetown during COVID, Faith in Action has been providing social calls through its Buddy Program, where volunteers are paired up with clients for weekly check ins. The nonprofit will continue this outreach even as it rephases to regular medical rides. They also plan to provide assistance with mail-in voter ballot applications, online grocery shopping and other needed services. By the fall, the organization hopes to return to some semblance of its former transportation services adding in their van trips to the grocery store. Ridership will be adjusted to provide proper spacing.
“We aren’t quite sure what that will look like yet,” said Vickie Orcutt, Executive Director, “but we are working hard each day to stay on top of safety measures and the CDC guidelines for how to move forward.”
Right now, current clients needing rides must fill out and return an updated waiver and follow a transportation policy lining out safety protocol expectations for both riders and volunteers. Clients can then go online at www.FaithInActionGT.org to request a ride or call 512-868-9544.
So far, Faith in Action has confirmed that more than 91 volunteers are ready and eager to get back to helping their fellow man. During a recent drive-thru celebration, volunteers received a goodie bag filled with free sanitizer, a face mask, safety protocol sign and free ice cream cone coupons from Sonic.
“Yes, these are innovative times, and we are excited to see our volunteers again to give them big social distanced hugs for hanging in there with us,” said Orcutt.