The Dec. 6 Community Alliance fundraiser filled the room with energy, diversity and optimism—and, best of all, raised enough funds to keep the newspaper in print for the foreseeable future.
The Community Alliance has always operated on a shoestring budget, yet we still face the same realities as any small publication: printing costs, payroll and the basic expenses that keep this “monthly miracle” alive. Now entering our 30th year, just a few months ago it was uncertain whether the paper could continue at all.
To stay afloat, we cut salaries, reduced the number of pages and eliminated every expense that wasn’t absolutely necessary. Even then, the financial strain remained severe. We’ve seen lean times before, but the strength of this community never ceases to amaze us.
Each time we’ve faced a financial crisis, our readers have stepped up—and this year they did so more generously than ever. Supporters purchased eight full tables (eight seats each) at $400 per table. A surprise donation of $5,000 arrived in the mail from one generous contributor. During the event, a $2,000 matching challenge was announced and quickly surpassed. By the end of the evening, nearly $25,000 had been raised—with additional contributions still coming in.
This success is humbling and inspiring. The continued support of our readers keeps the Community Alliance—the Valley’s only local, independent and progressive newspaper—in print. Our mission remains unchanged: to deliver honest, reliable journalism; to expose corruption; to give the voiceless a platform; and to build momentum for peace, social justice and economic equality.
¡Sí Se Puede!
