Temple Terrace Businesses, Government and Charities Need Each Other

When I first decided to write a blog at the prodding of several mentors (Thanks Henry Harland !), the most difficult part was figuring out what to NAME it and what to say FIRST. I have all kinds of ideas to write about (concert, theatre and movie reviews, artist profiles, entertainment venue profiles, arts in the schools, etc.).

So, after weeks of soul searching, I determined the following:

1) My first blog should be about my philosophy. Read on.

2) I was going to call it "I'm Just Saying...", but my thirteen-year-old said I should call it "Just Saying...".   Google it and you will find out it is so not an original idea.

3) And that is why it is called "Just Sang...". You see, I am from Houston, Texas and though I have lived many other places and I have traveled some, my east Texas drawl often comes through. When I say "Just Saying", it sounds like "Just Sang". And since my career (see my ) is associated with the music industry, my blog title became "Just Sang..." and I also named my new production and promotions company Just Sang Productions.

Now, on to my first blog about My Philosophy...

How can Temple Terrace form a united support system of businesses, churches, charities, the educational system and the performing and visual arts community?I am a believer in the Free Enterprise system and the spirit of competition is healthy and conducive to any of these environments. But, I also believe there needs to be a greater spirit of cooperation amongst these entities to enhance economic, cultural and to an extent, spiritual growth within the local community. As a promoter, producer and Personal Manager in the entertainment industry, I have personally constructed my business model with this mission in mind.

When putting events together that benefit the local community, I strive to add an element of the performing and often visual arts, raise funds and awareness for a local charity and promote area businesses through sponsorship, marketing and public relations.In these times of economic hardship and government cutbacks, our charities and non-profits need the private sector's support more than ever. Remember, if the government is not giving your hard-earned tax dollars to non-profits, then YOU can determine where your money (and time) is donated!

Take a look at your own business and find a way to sponsor a charity that includes the arts in their fund-raising events. Hire a performing artist for a private or corporate event, or better yet sponsor them for a charitable event. If you are an artist, donate your gifts to your favorite local charity. Hire a visual artist to design a logo or promotional material for your favorite charity. Always donate in-kind items to charity raffles because not only are you helping raise money, you can also track your where your customers originated and it brings potential new ones into your business. Volunteer and give your time for a non-profit if you cannot afford to give money. Donate your talents to a non-profit or visual/performing arts organization by keeping their books, doing landscaping, giving legal advice or cleaning their facility. (Make costumes for Masque Community Theatre!) These entities are the core make-up of any community and are intertwined and they all must find a new and "out-of-the-box" way to exist and thrive locally in today's new global market.

So search your heart and find your passion for a non-profit! Then get creative and you can find a way to support your local Temple Terrace business, a non-profit and a performing or visual arts related entity! Remember, it's a giving circle that will come back so many more times than you put into it!

Or just contact me and I will help you find that perfect connection for you to sow your seeds into fertile soil!