Giving Tuesday cometh.
No, we haven’t been transported seven months into the future. (Though, with everything that’s happened, would that really come as such a shock at this point?)
This year has been bizarre. In the first quarter alone, we’ve had massive wildfires, tornadoes, a global pandemic, and now isolation and economic hardship to boot. The landscape of life has completely changed, and many folks are facing an uncertain future where they don’t know how they’ll feed their families or cover next month’s rent.
Many are scared. Many are grieving. And many of us are just trying to figure out how best we can help.
So, Giving Tuesday cometh. Last week, we learned that the official website scheduled a new, global date of May 5th “as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.” This will be an opportunity for each of us to give or get involved in whatever way we can.
In keeping with our mission, the Rabbit Room is raising relief funds for touring musicians who have lost work due to COVID-19. This Tuesday, May 5th, we’ll be matching donations up to $20,000 toward that cause.
We want to stress that this is for more than singer-songwriters and solo-artists. There are tons of drummers, guitarists, pianists, and other musicians who help create the music we love and make live shows and tours possible through their hard work, time, and talent. Shut-downs have had an even greater impact on these folks, who don’t have music to stream, products to sell, or livestream shows by which to raise their own funds in the meantime.
So, this Tuesday only, the Rabbit Room will match up to $20,000 to help artists currently in need. The best way to donate will be through our Facebook fundraiser (which we’ll set up the day-of, so as not to confuse anyone), but those not on social media can also donate through the website.
One of my biggest struggles through all of this has been a sense of helplessness—knowing so many are hurting, yet not knowing precisely where the needs are or what I can do. I’m encouraged and grateful for this opportunity to participate in the work of John 13:35, showing Christ’s love for us by the way we love one another. I hope we can each find a way to join together this Tuesday in service of that most beautiful of commands.
Hang in there, everyone. This too shall pass.