Erin Wilkinson is fundraising
Keep the Douglas Halloween Parade Alive
Dear Douglas Halloween Parade Fans,
Many of our great community events, like the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults, are falling to the wayside due largely to the sharp increase in expenses to produce these events and more importantly keep participants safe. Now this parade is in jeopardy if we can't find some creative new ways to fund the event, but where there is a will, there is a way with your help!
For the last 25 years, the Douglas Halloween Parade has had the good fortune to be taxpayer subsidized in the way of city services. Unfortunately, the event has grown too large for taxpayers to continue funding everything required. This year, the City of Douglas will pass along an additional $18,057.64 to Hystopolis Productions, to cover expenses related to the parade. (see cost breakdown below)
The sharp increase to our budget makes funding the event an even steeper climb, but with your help... we believe we can do anything we put our minds to!
The Douglas Halloween parade is not a revenue generating event, but it pulls an estimated 10-20,000 people to town annually. Those people get gas, eat food, shop in our retail stores, and use services. It all helps support the many small businesses who survive off a 10 week tourism season. This event serves as a bridge to get our area businesses through the shoulder season and that's how we talk them into being a sponsor, but there is a limit to how much we can ask and we're nearing it, especially with so many other events competing for funds also.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT WE CAN STILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!
If everyone who attended the parade were to donate just $5, we would be fully funded with money left over to support next year! That's doable, right?! Here are some ways you can help...
5 Ways to Support the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults
- Donate to the GoFundMe, it all adds up!
- Share the GoFundMe on social media and ask friends to help share even if they can't donate!
- Recruit 5 friends to donate $5 and challenge each to match your energy and do the same!
- Encourage a business you're affiliated with to consider being a sponsor!
- Write Hystopolis Productions a check directly to avoid fees (Hystopolis Productions - PO Box 490, Douglas, MI 49406)
City of Douglas Parade Projected Costs for the Douglas Halloween Parade - $18,057
- $1,628 - Douglas Police Department staffing
- $223 - Douglas Police vehicle depreciation charge
- $6,458 - Michigan State Police
- $2,025 - Saugatuck Township Fire District
- $5,760 - Department of Public Works, including 2 contracted employees
- $1,963 - Department of Public Works vehicle and equipment depreciation charge
The Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults is administered by Hystopolis Productions , a 501 (c) (3) not for profit corporation licensed to operate in Illinois and Michigan.
Hystopolis Productions was founded to foster and promote the art of puppetry through performance, education, and special events.
We appreciate your support to make this exceptional local tradition of strutting down Center Street all decked out in our finest costumes a reality again this year!
Thank you for your support and encouragement!
Sincerely,
Erin K. Wilkinson
Director of Events
Hystopolis Productions
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50 supporters
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