Reasons for Being
A program of community events that advocate a peaceful convergence vibe—dovetailed on family closeness, neighborhood connected-ness, and multi-cultural harmony. Events include musical concerts/festivals, poetry readings & and other performances, filmshowings, a variety of cultural/artistic presentations (improvisational dance, street theater, traditional/cultural gatherings, food gatherings etc), and group discussions.
OBJECTIVES
[1] To advocate a peaceful/non-violent consciousness in the community, thereby initiating venues for collective discussion towards this end.
[2] To raise fund for the producing organization and its nonprofit beneficiaries.
[3] To promote, network, and market a like-minded community organization or (independent) entrepreneurial program.
[4] To usher exposure to starting performers, help them to connect with other venues and market, and possibly forge business and advocacy relationships in the process.
BONFIRES for PEACE, and other programs
[1] Bonfires for Peace. Usually a one-day free park concert or a nighttime club music event. The Bonfires has produced/organized events of this persuasion in Asheville and Mars Hill, North Carolina (ex: an unprecedented 16 weekends in downtown Asheville in 2004, and still happening to date); Baltimore, Maryland; Washington, DC; New York City; Manila/Quezon City and Baguio City, Philippines; and Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, California.
[2] Vagrant Wind. Café/gallery/bookstore events that are usually a mix of poetry and singer-songwriter mini-concert, sometimes short films and discussions included.
[3] Wander Women. A women-produced and organized small-venue shows and gigs that promote and advocate women issues.
[4] Bonfires for Vampires. A fun family event (DJs, concerts, food, costume party, games etc) that is traditionally held on Halloween.
NOTE: We occasionally organize similar events—like, community/family block parties, benefit garage sales and `hood barbecue, crafts/nonprofit tabling, children’s playground (clowns, piñata, games, open mic), park musical shows, and other “fun” activities.
BENEFICIARIES
Both The Bonfires’ Asheville/US and Philippine networks work closely with various international, national and local humanitarian organizations. Past and present beneficiaries include: people.
SPONSORSHIP
Co-sponsorship and organizational/business donations are very much welcome—both in terms of financial aid, media exposure/publicity, production/events needs (sound system procurement, food, program printing). Co-sponsors business/corporate logos are prominently displayed or printed in all production banners, posters, flyers, and postcards.
