Friends of Cactus Cafe Launches Pledge Drive

Coyote Music Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

May 11, 2010 - Austin, TX
Contact: Reid Nelson 512.632.9054 pr@SaveTheCactusCafe.org

Effort will seek pledges contingent on UT meeting goals of the “Defining Concepts” for the Cactus Cafe

Friends of the Cactus Cafe (FOTCC) today launched a pledge drive to garner support for its business plan to preserve the fundamental character of the legendary venue by building on its current self-operating model, while adding programs for and programming by students. The non-profit group, together with UT’s Student Friends of the Cactus Cafe, submitted their proposal, Cactus Cafe: the Next Chapter, last Friday to UT Vice-president for Student Affairs, Juan González, who is slated to make a recommendation regarding the future of the music venue this week.

The business plan calls for part of the Cactus Cafe’s budget to be supported by private contributions, $36,000 of which it is hoped will come from small donations (under $250) from individuals. Pledges would become due only upon the UT administration committing to keeping the venue open in a manner that meets the goals announced by the Office of Student Affairs in their “Guiding Concepts,” which were a product of a series of discussions it initiated with students, faculty and community members. The goals include, among other things, a continuation of daily cafe operations, student employment opportunities, increased learning opportunities for students and a structure for short term and long term community input.

“The community and music fans from all over the globe have already shown terrific support for the Cactus by contributing over $20,000 to the Save the Cactus Cafe campaign,” said Wiley Koepp, one of the founders of Friends of the Cactus Cafe. “This is a great way for them to now demonstrate their ongoing commitment to preserving the fundamental character of the Cactus and for a plan that combines the best of both operating models now under consideration by the University administration.”

The pledge page can be found here: http://www.savethecactuscafe.org/pledge

Posted on 5/11/10