The New Deal Café, Greenbelt’s award-winning music and arts venue and “community living room,” is facing severe financial difficulties stemming from the Covid epidemic and its aftermath. To help keep the doors open and continue serving the community and beyond, the Café is launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of $10,000 (or more!).
The signature event of this campaign will be a Gala at the Café on the evening of October 14: Masquer-AID the Café Ball. “We hope to capture the Halloween spirit, provide top-quality entertainment and raise money for our music program with a costume ball,” says Katy Gaughan, co-chair of the event. “Get ready to don your favorite mask and dance the night away!”
The ball will be a ticketed event at $50 per person, featuring music from two of the region’s most popular bands, Just Stones and The Wild Anacostias. Guests will enjoy performances from these compelling and energetic bands while dining on an array of finger foods and desserts throughout the evening, culminating in a champagne toast at the end of the night.
The Café is seeking sponsors for the Gala (who will receive tickets to the ball, limited-edition art prints and recognition on commemorative plaques). All proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales will go directly to the Café’s music and arts program. The Café is a member-owned, volunteer-managed, not-for-profit cooperative. “Your support will enable us to continue providing award-winning musical programming that brings people together and strengthens community bonds,” says Caitlin Gompf, the Café’s music director and co-chair of the event. “If you love the New Deal Cafe, if you love a masquerade or if you just love rockin’ tunes, this is a night you simply can’t miss!” she said.
For details on the Masquer-AID the Café Ball, including sponsorship levels and benefits as well as how to buy individual tickets, visit https://www.newdealcafe.com/cafeball/ For questions or more information, email Gaughan (katy@katygaughan.com) or Gompf (music@newdealcafe.com). The New Deal Café is located at 113 Centerway, in Roosevelt Center, Historic Greenbelt.