LOVE DON'T COST A THING (OR DOES IT?)

(FUN)DRAISING

BY: MAYA DONKERS

Happy Valentine's Day, romantics. One of the things V-Day is best known for, is adding pressure to a what would otherwise be a regular day. Reservations must be made in advance, flowers triple in price, and all of a sudden pink and red blouses emerge from the depth of the closet.

Choosing how to celebrate with your loved one can be a challenge. Do you stay in and cook? Do you go to dinner and a show? Or do you ignore the whole day and celebrate your love a week later?

Option 3.5: Live vicariously through some Bieber action. (Source)

I would like to introduce a fourth option: attend a museum valentines-themed event so your hard earned cash goes to celebrating love AND to supporting the arts.

Here are some examples of museums that know how to capitalize on where the money is coming from and where it is going:

1. Valentine's Day Dinner 

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada hosts the "ultimate Valentine's Day dinner" for a healthy $275.00 per couple. There are two separate dinner seatings that include a cash bar, music, three course dinner in one of the galleries, access to most of the Aquarium, and one Valentine's Day photo. 

2. Wines and Valentines 2017: A Winemaker's Dinner

This special fundraising event hosted by the Museum on Main features "wine exquisitely paired with a multi-course dinner." In its 10th year of the event, the menu features a unique collection of wines from one family estate. 

For a mere $85.00 US (per person) you and your loved one can enjoy a delicious dinner and wine pairing with a live auction and a raffle. 

3. Night Shift: Wild Romances 

The Royal BC Museum's adult-only event has you and your loved one covered with a photo book, live music, a scavenger hunt, craft stations, food, and more. The program includes "Sex Talks on Stage" and an "Erotica Dance Performance."

Tickets are $35.00 (per person) and covers all program events (and food) from 8p.m. - 12a.m.

4. Valentine's Fireside at the Inn

Spend Valentine's Day evening at the Inn near a roaring fire, listening to live music and enjoying a mulled beverage with the perfect dessert. 

A relatively inexpensive $40.00 per couple includes a plated dessert and a mulled wine beverage each.

5. Valentine Luncheon 

The Valentine Luncheon hosted by the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University is "a wonderful fundraising event benefitting the Museum." This event is sponsored by Neiman Marcus, Downtown Dallas

Yes, yes we will. (Source).

There you have it! With the 365 days left until next Valentine's Day, there is ample time to find the best museum V-Day event near you. 

There are lots of events out there, post below if you have plans to attend one! 

HAPPY DAY OF LOVE ALL!