Be a Friend of First Night ...

It might be only Midsummer's Eve, but the folks working to ensure a fabulous First Night Tacoma-Pierce County celebration (guess what I've been up to lately) are working hard to make this arts-centric, fun-for-all-ages, alcohol-free New Year's Eve bash a Tacoma mainstay once again.

To find out how to become a Friend of First Night -- which gets you special All-Access Credentials, including the VIP reception area -- go to firstnighttacoma.org/sponsor
and donate online or find where to send a check. Friend of First Night memberships start at $100.

AND A QUICK DEADLINE REMINDER: Make your donation twice as nice! First Night has an offer right now from a generous soul to match your donations dollar for dollar -- whether $5 or $500 -- until July 31. That's only days away! If you've been thinking about donating, please consider doing it now. Go here to donate online or find the P.O. Box address to mail a check to.

Wonder what First Night is?

To be held December 31 in Downtown Tacoma, First Night Tacoma-Pierce County is an opportunity for friends and family to say farewell to the old year and hello to the new with a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and most of all fabulously FUN celebration. In the past, there have been giant puppets, parades, racing pigs, rolling "heads," and a plethora of talented musicians and an eclectic mix of performers, crafts and activities for the kids, fireworks and so much more. Go to www.firstnighttacoma.org for more information.

And my personal plea ...

I'm a newbie on the First Night Tacoma-Pierce County crew, but I'm hoping this will be the first year of many. For years I meant to go, but either had to work, was too pregnant, was out-of-town or what-not. And then, just as I was finally ready, it went away -- and I learned the hard lesson of what happens when good things are taken for granted. And I'm thrilled that several patient people have kept with the effort of getting the books back in he black and not giving up on a good thing. So when given the opportunity to lend a hand, I jumped at the chance to help bring back an incredible celebration to Pierce County. I've given time, what dollars I could, and now I implore my friends, family and the blogosphere to show their support where possible.

Asking for money is never fun, but here I ask. Please consider a donation to First Night, whether a token donation, a Friend of First Night membership or one of the business sponsorship opportunities that will soon be posted. And then come reap the rewards of your generosity on Dec. 31; help us kick off the Year of the Pirate.