Cabaret, opening bars (2) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
by: Miss Lindsay
If we were to list all of the people who helped TAPA get back on our feet after Hurricane Sandy our blog would be an endless list of names of TAPA supporters from Long Beach and beyond! We had packages, cards, and donations from Florida, California, and even Africa when we sounded the cry of help and called upon our friends.
As the days of summer are winding down and TAPA is filled with the sounds of African drums and the laughter of happy campers, it’s hard to believe that less than a year ago this place was filled with water. And days like this it’s great to remember the people who got us from here to there.
TAPA faculty decided that everyone needed a boost in morale, and came up with the idea of hosting a cabaret style fundraiser. We looked at several venues and decided that LOLA’S in Long Beach would be the perfect venue for many reasons.
First and foremost, is the owner, Mark McCarthy, who didn’t even hesitate, and went out of his way to accommodate our every wish. We decided that the theme of the benefit would be Valentines Day. My friends and relatives who are performers were thrilled to show their support as singers during the cabaret. Local businesses, family and friends donated raffle items for us to auction and raffle off to raise more money.
After months of planning, the week of the event finally arrived. And the day before the cabaret: Snow Storm Nemo! Our event was cancelled due to the terrible weather! The irony of a Hurricane Sandy Relief Fundraiser being cancelled due to Snow Storm Nemo was not lost of us and with a heavy heart, we cancelled the event.
Mark and the Lola’s staff generously rescheduled the event and when it (finally) occurred in March, it went off without a hitch and raised TAPA over $6,500 to put towards rebuilding our little studio. The food was incredible, the bar staff and cocktails were sublime, and the talent but a little spring in our step.
A very special thanks to Mark, from the bottom of our heart. Thank you for being so charitable at a time when we needed the most help. You are an incredible example of the wonderful residents of Long Beach and will forever one of TAPA’s favorite people.
