Boogiezone Forever
DEAR BOOGIEZONE DANCE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND!
My name is Elm Pizarro, I am 44 years old, born in Seattle and currently living in Long Beach California. I am an artist in every sense of the word. A designer, a dancer, choreographer, director, producer, educator, innovator, entrepreneur, and creator. Ultimately, I am driven by my passion for community building and my love for dance. I left a stable career in architecture to pursue an endeavor I felt would be more impactful. No regrets. Since 2003, I have worked relentlessly to serve my purpose in helping others bridge their dreams to reality by creating a virtual and physical platform of inspiration known globally as “Boogiezone!”
WHO AM I? www.elmboogie.com
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
For many years we have struggled to operate our 14,000sf building in old town Torrance with little to no resources other than our love for the dance community, countless caring volunteers, and a ton of perseverance.
All that glitters, is not Gold. Our 1920’s building is in poor condition and is in need of some massive repair. We have major electrical concerns, do to not have working A/C nor running/hot water in parts of our building. We constantly have to clean up floods, and even more embarrassing (but people are so kind to never mention it) is that it’s been 7 years and we still cannot afford to have a sign that bears our name on the front of the building!
Most recently, we have endured several more unfortunate circumstances (namely tax issues and fraud) that have made our financial journey exponentially more difficult. We have never missed a rent payment until this March 2018, due to the issues mentioned above, but we are now behind and in a financial hole so big that will keep getting bigger if we don’t reach our goal now.
We have received a formal 3-day notice to either pay the $30,000 of missing/late payments owed to the building owner by Friday August 17th or be forced to vacate our studio home.
Wait! How did this happen? It’s difficult to pinpoint, but this situation is a result of several unfortunate events that have just spiraled - causing us to get stuck in a hole that has been difficult to get out of. To be honest, I don’t know what is possible in the next few days, and this is where I need your help!
In silence I have wanted to quit and give up Boogiezone several times, feeling overwhelmed and isolated in the struggle to keep us afloat. It’s hard to explain, but when I step into the space and see students from ages 10 to 60 that love dancing here, I know that it’s worth the fight. I have always taught them to never give up, and that if you never quit, that “in time” you will make it.
If you know me and know me well, you would know that I am the type of person that would rather just figure things out for myself, too prideful to ask for your direct help. But my vision for Boogiezone and what is to come is beyond what I can do by myself, and I believe that in order to level up, I need to humble myself and ask for your help and contribution.
MORE ABOUT US: www.boogiezoneutopia.com
WHY BOOGIEZONE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
Boogiezone was founded on the idea of creativity, community, and collaboration. It has served as a platform for communication and a way for us to virtually inspire one another clear across the other side of the planet or physically bring us together!
It is a movement and idea that has grown and evolved into a multitude of opportunities that have allowed and encouraged thousands upon thousands of dancers to pursue their dreams in an unapologetic and powerful way. Boogiezone bridges dreams to reality. Help me sustain and strengthen this beautiful platform and secure it for future generations to come!
WE NEED YOUR HELP
In true Boogiezone fashion, I am coming to you as a community builder and collaborator. What you choose to do now will help dictate our next step. If Boogiezone has inspired you or someone you love, provided as safe space for you to explore your creativity, or enabled you to pursue your purpose with confidence, I’m asking for your support.
Here is how you can give:
The biggest and most immediate need we have is to pay backed rent/fees on our building. This goal is $30,000. Our building is also in major need of another $75,000 in maintenance.
I get that this is a gigantic request, but I believe in some way or another my message will reach the right hearts.
ANY AMOUNT HELPS! Even if you cannot give financially, simply share the link below and better yet, create your own short video of how Boogiezone has impacted you using the hashtag #Boogiezoneforever.
Again, thanks for your support. We love you and are grateful!
WATCH THE CAMPAIGN VIDEO
https://youtu.be/5PDfay8QY1I
DONATE NOW!
www.gofundme.com/boogiezoneforever
Again, thanks for your support!
With much appreciation and love,
Elm Pizarro
Chief Brainchild | Boogiezone Utopia
Established 2003!