Putting the Fun back in Fundraising
The Octopus Club of Austin is a group of 100% volunteers the exists to fund the Paul Kirby Emergency Assistance fund at AIDS Services of Austin. Founded by Austin businessman, Lew Aldridge in 1989, the club gives parties to raise money. The funds raised at Octopus Club events go directly to Central Texans struggling to live with HIV/AIDS. No overhead or administrative costs are taken out of the proceeds.
By 2011, the club had contributed more than $1.5 million dollars to the Fund. We present two large parties each year: The OctoTea Dance, which draws around 1,000 attendees, and Art Erotica, which has grown to attract about the same number. Other, smaller parties are given throughout the year that also send proceeds to the fund. In 2011, we have implemented a new initiative with Octopus Club Spotlight events held at various businesses in Austin, to meet the growing needs of our friends and neighbors in Austin and surroundings who live with HIV/AIDS.
How do we do it? Generous hosts put on the parties, allowing us to send corporate donations and the money spent for tickets, auction purchases and t-shirts at an event directly to the Fund.
Check out our website for more information on the club, and to see what events are upcoming. Something's always happening at The Octopus club, so join us in "putting the fun back in fundraising."
