As I’ve mentioned before, one of the reasons I started RH was in direct defiance of those who moan and groan about living in Orlando: ”there’s nothing to here”…”we don’t have any culture to speak of”…”the only fun activities  are at the theme parks and/or too expensive.” To prove them wrong, the categories Hangin’ Around (things to do) and Frugal Fun were born.

You know who else is helping in the “Central Florida is culturally relevant” crusade? United Arts. Since 1989, they’ve awarded grants of over $121 million to the City Beautiful’s arts programs, to help keep doors open and, especially important to frugal folks like myself, tickets prices reasonable (sources here and here).

Who’s benefitted?

• the Maitland Arts and History Museums (only the source of one of RH’s longest running series, found here, here, here and here!)
• Enzian, the place for independent movies, not to mention tasty food (RH’s review)
• the Orlando Science Center, where I ate a bug
• the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens (I never made it to the event I wrote about, but I went several months later and it’s a fascinating place, thanks both to the man himself and the art he created)
• Orlando Fringe, where I met my husband

And those are just the place I’ve written about. I’ve also had the pleasure of volunteering at the Florida Film Festival, watching The Importance of Being Earnest at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and listening to an Orlando Gay Chorus performance.

And those are just the places I’ve been to. A complete list is here.

What’s in it for me?

Do you get the Red Chair Rewards weekly e-newsletter yet? Not only is it packed with upcoming events, but every issue boasts at least one Buy One, Get One Free offer, with several other discounts as well. What are you waiting for? Sign up now!

What do you want me to do?

• Start exploring your city. Tell me about the cool stuff you’ve found, and I’ll try it out too. If you haven’t already bought tickets (only $22/person), the Red Chair Affair this Saturday, 8/25 is a great way to preview the upcoming arts season (for a video synopsis, click here). I went a few years ago and was tickled by the Shakespeare Theatre scene from Earnest, which is how I was inspired to go for the first time.
• Donate to this great cause. You can give money directly (if your gift is over $100, they’ll send you a discount card with lots of BOGO goodies), find out about a workplace campaign, or buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a United Arts gift basket.
• No money? No problem. We all know I’m a HUGE advocate of volunteering, and I’m sure the organizations would be happy to have you.

The takeaway: Orlando is a cool place to live. We have cool (cultural!) things to do. And United Arts is cool by helping to make that happen. Now might be a good time to return the favor.

Note: I’m attending the Central Florida Blogger Conference in September, and part of the program is to encourage bloggers to get the word out on the positive things some local non-profits are doing (it’s called Blogging for Good). I chose UA because it aligned most closely with my beliefs and blog content. In full disclosure, I have a chance to win a prize for this post, but win or lose, I stand behind this organization.

posted by Christine@RandomHangers.com
Tags: blogging for good, donate, united arts, volunteer
Filed under: Allow Me to Introduce You To, Hangin' Around...(things to do)