Fundraiser to Help Three Rivers Arts Council Continue in Fire Building

It is true that the Three Rivers Arts Council uses the building that used to house the Minooka Fire Protection District without paying rent. However, it is the responsibility of TRAC to pay for the utilities on the building.

"We do have a lease with the Minooka Fire Protection District, but we're not paying rent," Amy Hayes, TRAC executive director said.

The ancillary costs of the building, though, are getting overwhelming.

"Right now, it's pretty much hand-to-mouth," Hayes said. "It's hard to plan ahead."

Ideally, Hayes said, the organization would like to be more self-sufficient. They would like to know that the funding to continue to do community outreach would continue to be there.

"Ideally we would like to be able to have money to pay for the space and have money to budget off of," she said. "Ideally we would like to have $3,000 a month."

And while Hayes would like to have a more stable funding foundation, it is TRAC's goal to provide a space community members can use to create all kinds of art. They also serve as a community resource, hosting events and summer camps for kids.

"I think once people understand what we're doing and how we're funded, they'll be a lot more receptive," Hayes said.

Until then, though, TRAC will host fundraisers, including the upcoming events on Oct. 26 and 27.

First, they will host a Movie and pumpkins night on Oct. 26. For $2 per person or $5 for a family of three or more, you can paint a pumpkin, and watch Nosferatu after, at 8 p.m. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Oct. 27, the organization will host a Halloween costume dance. The event is $3 admission and will feature DJ Will Thomas.

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