Several have asked us how we’re doing, so this is an overdue update. This has been the hardest year of our 8-year existence, which should be no surprise for anyone with a small nonprofit or retail store. Our game library was closed to the public for almost 5 months, and it’s been almost 9 months since most of our volunteer groups have met in person. Yet, we had a successful OmahaGives! Fundraiser in May and our new annual fundraiser is today, Giving Tuesday as part of ShareOmaha.
We haven’t been idle this year. The library has grown considerably and gotten more organized to make finding a game online or in person easier. Spielmasons continued to meet as conditions allowed, and our education program has connected with a network of teachers from around the world that are using board games in the classroom, whether at home, school, or virtual. Our most active program, Stay Sharp, has had the most difficult time since senior communities and those staff that work with our elders have had to be the most isolated for only essential contact. Still, the group has several plans for larger events in the coming summer.
Our longer-term goal was to raise enough funds for a part-time director to start next fall or the following year. This would come from donations and from patron memberships. But hard times are hard, and memberships have been reduced dramatically. Our Everybody Plays program no longer can offer daily game demos, and the café is now relying on selling board games online to stay open. We depend upon the café to be open in order for our game library to be open and have a home. It’s a symbiotic relationship as we both have the same mission. So while we greatly appreciate any donations you can make, we also want to encourage all to help the Spielbound Board Game Cafe through buying gift certificates, memberships, and of course, gifting the great experiences that come from playing board games.
To donate, visit our donations page or by clicking the image below.
