The NeedleArts Zone
Donation protected
10 years ago The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) funded one Maker Faire event. We taught about 1400 people of all ages to knit, crochet, needlepoint and cross-stitch. That was successful enough to get two more Maker Faires (Detroit and New York) added to our schedule. Later we added drop spindle spinning and hand loom weaving. We've had brief appearances of tatting and inkle loom weaving. In 9+ years and 26 Maker Faires, we estimate we've taught about 32,000 people.
About 7 years ago, I took over the program for TNNA, thereby releasing staff (none of whom could teach) from the expenditures. I did everything as a volunteer, from staffing the booth (which requires about 60 teachers for the weekend), begging for supply donations, organizing everything. I had no help and I was a volunteer.
At last year's budget meeting, despite the huge success of the program, the TNNA Board decided they could no longer afford us. Our budget was cut to zero and we no longer have a sponsor to cover our expenses.
Several of us knew this was coming, so we came up with a budget that would enable us cover the costs of the storage and shipping of supplies and display, travel and lodging for the directors who attend and teach, and replacement of broken display fixtures. The budget was planned for three years' expenses. We formed a non-profit corporation, which will morph into a 501(c)3 as soon as we can.
We would also like to be able to pay for thank you gifts for our volunteer teachers that aren't just leftovers, discontinued items, and things not suitable for teaching, and to our donors.
It has been very gratifying to run this program for these years, and I feel we have accomplished a lot teaching needlearts to so many people of all ages. If you agree, please donate and help us continue!
About 7 years ago, I took over the program for TNNA, thereby releasing staff (none of whom could teach) from the expenditures. I did everything as a volunteer, from staffing the booth (which requires about 60 teachers for the weekend), begging for supply donations, organizing everything. I had no help and I was a volunteer.
At last year's budget meeting, despite the huge success of the program, the TNNA Board decided they could no longer afford us. Our budget was cut to zero and we no longer have a sponsor to cover our expenses.
Several of us knew this was coming, so we came up with a budget that would enable us cover the costs of the storage and shipping of supplies and display, travel and lodging for the directors who attend and teach, and replacement of broken display fixtures. The budget was planned for three years' expenses. We formed a non-profit corporation, which will morph into a 501(c)3 as soon as we can.
We would also like to be able to pay for thank you gifts for our volunteer teachers that aren't just leftovers, discontinued items, and things not suitable for teaching, and to our donors.
It has been very gratifying to run this program for these years, and I feel we have accomplished a lot teaching needlearts to so many people of all ages. If you agree, please donate and help us continue!
Organizer
Frederikka Payne
Organizer
Moss Beach, CA
