Josh Short of the Wilbury Theatre Group: Why 401Gives Is RI's Most Important Day of Giving
Josh Short of the Wilbury Theatre Group: Why 401Gives Is RI's Most Important Day of Giving
Short said that 401Gives has become the second biggest day of giving for his group — second only to Giving Tuesday in the fall. He predicts this year the three-year-old initiative launched by United Way of RI will become the most important day of support for the theater.
“It's an incredible opportunity both to teach people about the importance of giving and about how much nonprofits like ours and like so many others depend on the generosity of individuals so it's been really incredible experience so far and we're so happy to be part of it,” said Short.
401Gives takes place on April 1 this year.
In 2021, 401Gives made Rhode Island history by raising almost $2.3 million for more than 422 nonprofits from over 12,000 donors -- a total dollar increase of 75% over the first year.
Powered by United Way of Rhode Island, 401Give brings people together to make a difference for local nonprofits that deliver vital services to communities throughout the state.
In 2022, the goal is to raise $4 million and support 500 non-profits.
Short said for non-profits the last two years have been a tremendous challenge.
“Trying to keep this stream alive of a non-profit theater company that can both employ artists and serve a community and make it happen through this pandemic. You know the pivots and adaptations going to streaming you know partnership we worked out with GoLocal and being able to continue sharing work from our artist through that platform,” said Short.
"And then, moving all our productions outside and I mean we are really just it's been one foot in front of the other for the last couple of years and we're incredibly grateful for the to the community that supported us,” said Short.