Can a festival platform help a community rise above the economic challenges?

"With the current state of the nation and constant negative news about the economy, I think it creates fear, anxiety, anger, and introverted focus of survival mode, all of which are agents to create division. Thus, there are more reasons why The Community Chest, Inc. will strive to produce an enriching festival to support our community during these challenging times," explains Ms. Ruskan. "During wars, depression eras, and other historical downturns, people needed moments to help them forget their hard times and to remind them of hope for better days, as the entertainment industry does. We approach our efforts in a similar fashion but with more civic responsibility of serving various constituents. I believe whether you're a business or an individual, by serving your community full-heartedly and honestly, the community will serve back," she adds. The festival format is inspired by the diversity of Durham County and serves many communities with deliberate, inclusive, and varied programming. The diversity is obvious in Durham, and there are constant reminders of international and cultural neighbors that are seen every day. This unique festival is infused with international arts and cultural experiences, eclectic food sampling, an opportunity to experience a wide variety of music genres, and an international dance showcase.

This welcoming and inclusionary approach is one reason people will be drawn to an area, creating a "sense of belonging and feeling at home." "That is what we try to do with TOD and we welcome residents and businesses from all areas of Durham. During challenging economic times and constant reminders of division, exclusion, and varying levels of hostility in the daily news, working together and contributing to the quality of life for people in vast community groups is responsible, smart business, and nurtures the ideals of building healthy communities.

Serving our Communities Facts:

Mission: The Community Chest (TCC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit philanthropic organization that supports community interests and enrichments through innovative and distinctive project-based initiatives which include but are not limited to festivals and niche programs. The heart of the mission is The Cycle of Giving: The synergistic effect of giving back to the community, building stronger community relations, supporting economic development as it pertains to community growth, and enriching the community by producing high-quality cultural and lifestyle experiences with concentrated focus on arts and cultural themes. The primary goal for TCC's initiatives is to generate funds to produce and pay expenses for high-quality festivals and programs that serve TCC's mission. The first phase is the production and development of the Taste of Durham Festival. Future niche programs and projects will serve other communities and constituents in different counties and regions. Other focused project launches depend on funding, grants, and support from various sources. TCC will launch other programs if revenue sources are available without compromising sustainability of existing projects.

The following items highlight TCC's commitment and social entrepreneurial efforts to serve:

• TOD provides an accessible and affordable opportunity to experience high-end entertainment, arts, and cultural events. TCC has maintained the same general admission cost over the years and has not increased prices, even with the economic challenges of increasing production costs: $4 advance, and $6 at the festival. TOD offers ways to experience the essence of the “quality life” we hear about in mission statements and community-focused businesses, agencies, and organizations.
• The vision of the festival platform is to serve all of Durham, the growing community, the multicultural population, and beyond. Durham is a large county and various sub-communities contribute to the economic cycle with existing and new residents moving to the area, establishing homes, and creating jobs and businesses.
• For artists and musicians who deal with many challenges and trends in the music and entertainment arena, the festival serves as a quality platform to showcase their talents.
• TCC has built a positive reputation and developed self-sustaining funding from grassroots stages.
• These high-caliber gathering venues allow area businesses to connect directly with large, diverse, and attentive audience from various communities and to promote their businesses. With the state of the ecomony, we need as much support to keep the economic cycle perputating, which is a component of a thriving community.
• TOD has provided in-kind contributions to various charitable causes and organizations from proceeds.
• TOD also serves the community by creating another economic development support platform for area restaurants and businesses.
• TOD is a proactive platform to encourage community engagement and helps build community relations in various ways .