No “Gathering” till next year

The community-connection organization Megawatt has called off this year’s “Gathering of Neighbors” showcase, which had been scheduled for November 3rd. An e-mail announcement sent out last night by Megawatt leaders says the group has been focused on a “strategic planning process” and adds: “We are incredibly proud of our community events and programs, and over the next few months will work to support these programs by focusing on and building our organizational infrastructure. As part of this process, we have made a strategic decision to postpone … Gathering of Neighbors until 2008.” Megawatt says it will continue offering its community “field trips,” including an artist-studio tour on October 25th; more info on the Megawatt website (and the listings are on our frequently updated West Seattle-wide Events page too). For anyone who already signed up for the now-canceled Gathering of Neighbors, Megawatt says it will refund the table fees within the next few days.

Pete October 11, 2007 (9:21 am)

What a shame it is to cancel this event at the last minute. So much time, effort and energy had already been expended by the volunteers that were pulling this together. It is so sad to see these community events go away when they have been such valuable assets in helping us to build a better sense of community in our West Seattle neighborhoods.

chas redmond October 11, 2007 (9:48 am)

Yes, it’s sad and I’m hoping Megawatt re-energizes itself. It’s especially disappointing because I know there were several new community organizations which were planning on having a presence and beginning the process of community integration.

Nevertheless, West Seattle’s a pretty darned tight neighborhood and the new local organizations will continue their community outreach – albeit slightly disadvantaged.

I always looked forward to and had a great time at these Gatherings and will certainly miss this Fall’s event.

Sue October 11, 2007 (10:03 am)

I had been to a previous one and really enjoyed it – I’m sorry to hear it’s been cancelled.

Bob October 11, 2007 (4:13 pm)

A quick look at Megawatt’s IRS 990 filings shows –

2004:
$163,633 revenue
$54,559 program services (incl. $25,399 Gathering)

2005:
$90,403 revenue
$60,437 program services (incl. $15,891 Gathering)

2006:
$103,610 revenue
$38,798 program services (incl. $11,406 Gathering)

Funds raised in 2006 were all spent that year, leaving $-167.00 net assets at the end of 2006. There’s no data for 2007, but clearly they’ve been successful at raising money in each prior year.

One of the other major expenditures each year has been for the Web site, which looks like it has cost much more than the Gathering. The Web site currently is in a state of reduced or partial upkeep, which proably means that there’s not enough money now for that either.

Pete October 12, 2007 (9:36 am)

Most of the funds raised the first year for the Gathering of Neighbors came from a Neighborhood Matching Fund granted through the Department of Neighborhoods and in subsequent years corporate sponsors came forward to underwirte the event.

Sorry, comment time is over.