JustDane, a social service nonprofit organization formerly known as Madison Area Urban Ministry, is hosting its annual fundraiser for two of its largest programs this Saturday via YouTube.
The fundraiser “Just Plain Fun with JustDane” aims to raise funds for the Just Bakery and Healing House programs. Neither program is covered under grants awarded to JustDane, so the fundraiser is a chance to continue supporting programs that employ people who experience barriers to employment, said Just Bakery Program Coordinator Carmella Glenn.
“Our bakery products and this fundraiser are what helps keep people employed and support the programs,” she said.
Typically, the fundraisers are elaborate and interactive, but the pandemic has sent it online, causing Glenn and her team to be creative with this year’s event. Rather than an outing, JustDane will host a virtual “night of entertainment” — from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. — featuring a spoken word performance as well as musical appearances from Cash Box Kings and The Lower 5th.
Additionally, the event will feature a surprise emcee.
“The cool thing about it is it’ll run Saturday night so people don’t have to sit at another computer, they can instead watch it on their TV and be able to have a fun night watching local bands and dancing in [their] living room,” Glenn said.
Short Stack Eatery is partnering with JustDane for this event, allowing participants to add a drink kit to their ticket, as well as a Just Bakery apple pie. Tickets are on sale from $25.
While the fundraiser will occur during the event, anyone can donate to JustDane, Just Bakery and Healing House at any time to contribute to their missions.
Just Bakery is a 12-week educational and vocational training program for people who experience barriers to employment. Healing House is a space for families preparing for a medical procedure or hospitalization who are also experiencing homelessness. 
“I’m excited for the whole idea behind the event,” Glenn said. “We’ve all been on Zoom, we’ve all been having to watch many events but now people can sit down in their living room, have a drink from Shortstack Eatery and watch some really good entertainment.
“I’m also excited to bring some recognition to the work that’s being done with Healing House and Just Bakery,” she added. “We want people to know that they can order from [Just Bakery] through the holiday seasons and raise some money to fill in the gaps during Covid. Just like every other business, ours is struggling a little more to be able to keep up with the education program that we offer to people in the community to employ them and train them in baking. It’s the customers of our community that keep us going.”
Tickets can be purchased here.
