How to Help
- Special Events: If you’re planning any kind of concert, cabaret, or other event and you’re looking for a non-profit organization to partner with, consider Season of Concern! We would also be happy to send a representative to speak briefly on behalf of the organization and answer any questions.
- Opening Night Presents: If you’re working on a show or attending an Opening, consider giving an Opening Night present via a contribution to SOC in honor of the production’s cast & crew. Our Managing Director would be thrilled to make a fun sign for display on the call board!
- AIDS Run/Walk Chicago: Season of Concern organizes a team at this event every fall in honor of the founding mission for our organization. We would love to have you join us! Sign-up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to be updated when registration opens each summer.
- Honorary Gifts: If you’re celebrating or attending a special event (anniversary, birthday, etc.), you can always ask for donations in your honor instead of presents, or make a donation in someone else’s honor! These can be made through our website and/or Facebook fundraisers make it really easy as well.
- Memorial Gifts: If you’ve lost a loved one who worked in the theatre or was a passionate audience member, you can suggest gifts in their memory in lieu of flowers. If it’s helpful, we’re able to provide you with a list of everyone who makes a donation. You can also make a individual donation in memory of someone.
- Financial Planning: Whether it’s a matching gift from an employer, a Qualified Charitable Distribution from a retirement account or a gift through your will or estate, we would be honored to be included in your plans.
- Speaker/Panelist: Our Managing Director and board are a wealth of knowledge about Chicago Theatre history and our organization’s place in the community for the last 40 years. We would love to be invited to share more with your students, audience, company, organization or any other gathering!
Feel free to reach out to Managing Director Christopher Pazdernik with any questions or ideas you have:
chris@SeasonofConcern.org
AMAZING PAST EVENTS!
“Bowl-a-Rama”, “Second City Divas”, “The Beautiful City Project Holiday Party”,
“Singing Christmas Carols”, “Singing Valentine Cards”, and “Cluebaret”.
Goodman Theater Benefit, 2019.
From Left to Right, Mercury Theater Chicago Executive Producers Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon; Season of Concern Board Chair Luther Goins; and Entertainer and Benefit Co-Host Honey West
Second City Divas Benefit, Mercury Theater Chicago 2019
The Beautiful City Project Holiday Party, Floating World Gallery, 2022
Performer McKinley Carter Cluebaret Holiday Benefit, Venus Cabaret, 2022
WHO WE ARE:
Founded in 1987, Season of Concern Chicago is dedicated to providing financial assistance to Chicagoland theater practitioners, both Equity and Non-Equity, impacted by illness, injury or circumstance that prevents them from working. We provide short-term emergency financial assistance to theater practitioners through our own Biscotto-Miller Fund and Malcolm Ewen Emergency Fund.
TESTIMONIALS IN SUPPORT OF SEASON OF CONCERN
Season of Concern is critical now, with so many performers and marginalized artists needing a safety net. Your donation helps to keep theatre alive.”
– Delia Kropp (Actor)
“I appreciate Season of Concern because they care for the entire community, not just some. Support the cause at Season of Concern.”
– E. Faye Butler (Actor)
“I support Season of Concern because they have helped so many members of our community in times of trouble.”
– Ariane Dolan (Actor)
“I support Season of Concern because I believe we are all in this together. We are stronger TOGETHER.”
– Heidi Kettenring (Actor)
“I support Season of Concern because they provide compassion, empathy and support for the people I love the most when they need it the most.”
– Cory Goodrich (Actor)
“I support Season of Concern to remember all the lovely friends I lost to AIDS.”
– Kate Shubert (Actor)