Nickels and dimes

We’ve all used the expression “nickel and dime” in various settings…being charged for extras, repetitive transactions, unimportant amounts of money. When someone says, “They nickel and dime people to death," it’s not a good thing.

After managing a capital funds campaign for almost two years, though, I’ve come to realize something very important: it’s always about nickels and dimes. Especially here at Vent Haven.

Our founder, W.S. Berger, was promoted from factory floor sweeper to accountant assistant at Cambridge Tile because of a dime. He found ten missing cents in an accounting ledger and the department knew he was the type of man who would succeed in business. He eventually retired as CEO of the company.

Mr. Berger accounted for every nickel and dime he made. He kept ledgers recording all his personal transactions…he valued every nickel and dime. His frugality and mindfulness of his finances are a main reason that Vent Haven was born.

Since Mr. Berger’s death, the Board of Directors has carried on in his financial spirit. Nickels and dimes still matter. We are careful with investments, we are careful with expenditures, and we are careful with savings.

We know Mr. Berger would be proud of the careful management of his assets; and for the growth of them over time. This management of funds is the reason that Vent Haven is thriving four decades after his passing.

Today we’ve raised about a third of the funding for our desperately needed new facility. Many people thought the money would come quickly and easily, but it hasn’t. It has come steadily and slowly. Big foundations and companies are easily convinced to donate funds for crisis causes, such as natural disasters and health concerns. These are amazing causes and need funding in a critical way. The arts, though, are often at the bottom of the list when it comes to public funding.

And that’s okay.

We will reach our goal. It may take two or three or five more years, but I know we will get there.

I also know we will get there through the generous support of individuals. Whether donating a large or small amount, the donations of individuals will build this building.

If you have donated to our cause in any way at all: THANK YOU. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping. We still have a way to go, but that’s okay.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, November 27th, is Giving Tuesday. It’s our last fundraising effort of the year. I hope you will join me in donating to Vent Haven that day. It’s the nickels and dimes that make the difference. Thank you!