In Hurricanes’ Wake, Nonprofits Worry About Fundraising Impact
After Hurricane Harvey caused devastating flooding at Houston’s Alley Theatre, actors and production staff were indomitable. They continued rehearsals, built sets, and found a new venue for the September 15 premiere of Describe the Night, a political saga set in Russia that had been on the calendar for months. As damage was being cleared at the theater, the play opened on schedule at a University of Houston venue.
The team members needed to see their hard work realized, says Nancy Giles, the Alley’s director of development. "Theater people have to make theater, artists have to make art."
And fundraisers have to raise money. As the actors were busy perfecting their lines, the show went on for Ms. Giles, too: Since the disaster ended, she has helped the theater raise $150,000 for a fund to aid its employees, $175,000 for cleanup and repairs, and $150,000 in unrestricted money. . .