When Throwing Parties Isn't Enough

As we approach two years of fun and games at The Lab, I've been thinking a lot about some of the awesome events we've had, asking why I do it, and what it all means. We've done cooking competitions, live jazz, photography and art shows, house music jumpoff's, movie nights, and even a tranny show. Nothing has been more gratifying than creating a space for people to meet other creative, cool, sexy and good-to-the-core people. Nothing ... except ... creating a space for people to meet other creative, cool, sexy and good-to-the-core people and using that as a platform for giving to a good cause. So let's talk about giving.

Since our inception, we've had two fundraisers - Our "YoBama" event generated $800 for the Obama campaign, and most recently our "Kombit" event doubled that success raising $1,600 for Haiti relief. I can't tell you what an amazing feeling it was to go online the following days, and make those donations. So now, my friends, it's time to ask yourselves this - how can we extend the good vibes that we share underground, to good causes, more regularly? Before you give it too much thought, here's the answer....

From now on, all Lab 24/7 events will serve a charitable objective. What that means is that after expenses (drinks, food, supplies, talent, etc...), all proceeds from our events will go to a good cause. Now so far, we really haven't generated any kinds of profits, but I'm hoping that we can tweak things slightly in order to have funds left over for charitable causes. Which charitable causes? That's the best part...you get to choose!

Lab 24/7 has become an official member of Donor's Choose, an incredible site that helps raise money for school projects around the country. Check out our Giving Page here. We've chosen to list certain projects in need of help from schools in our local community of BedStuy/Crown Heights. At each Lab event, we're going to print these projects out, and allow you guys to vote for the one that hits you hardest. And, based on your votes, all projects listed will get a proportionate piece of the pie, so no project on the list gets left behind.

This is a great turning point, and it feels good to share it with you.

- Jonathan