How does ArtsWave connect with potential donors who do not have a campaign at their workplace?  For more than 35 years, a special group of volunteers, the Residential Division, have helped get the word out to their neighbors and friends with a letter campaign.   In 2015, ArtsWave had 75 district and community chairs representing neighborhoods and communities throughout the region:  Fairfield to Florence, Sharonville to Harrison, West Chester to Lawrenceburg.  These individuals sign and stuff letters asking current ArtsWave donors to renew, but they also help us spread the word to members of their community who may not be as familiar with the organization. They serve a critical grassroots function for our organization. 

In addition to helping to send 5,000 letters, the volunteers also get together with staff members of local arts organizations for our annual Phoneathon to thank our longtime donors and ask them to renew their pledge.  ArtsWave also hosts a social event for the group each year.  In November, they enjoyed the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s One City, One Symphony concert together.  

Many of the volunteers find this to be a fun way to give back to their community and meet other likeminded individuals from all over Greater Cincinnati. Several have been committed to the cause for many years.  In 2015, two volunteers will celebrate their 30th anniversary with ArtsWave – Fran Lowenstein and Joan Osterbrock.  We are so grateful for their extraordinary “hands-on” support for so many years.

If you’re interested in learning more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Maddie Grant at Maddie.Grant@theartswave.org.