Saving Pi: An update

The Twin Cities Daily Planet has an update on the campaign to save Pi. If you haven't given yet, there are only a few more days to do so.

Pi has been an important community space for a number of events. OutFront hosted Bible Self-Defense Training there. There have been several workshops on combating racism and classism in the LGBT community. Many LGBT sports teams have been given access to the space to raise funds. Minnesota Soul Essence, the LGBT people of color and friends Pride celebration was held there. The bar has opened its doors and raised $40,000 for various community causes.

They've got great food, six pool tables and great music on the dance floor. They open up their walls to local artists.

There are plenty of reasons open your wallets to keep Pi in business. Even if you don't send a check, at least visit the place in the next fews days. You might not get the chance again.

And here's a message from Diva Riot: "I remember when the Metro closed. I remember when Lucy’s closed. I am old enough to remember when Ladies Night closed. And there aren’t probably that many of you that remember Sappho’s Lounge at the Gay 90’s. I remember when the Women’s Coffee Houses stopped. I remember when Vulva Riot stopped. I remember when Hot Bed ended. I remember when Focus Point, Equal Time and Q Monthly went under. All we have left it Pi. My understanding is that it has come down to 4 days and $88,000 to save Pi. That is why I am forwarding these emails. I think if Pi closes it will be a very long time before someone else tries to open a Lesbian Bar in Minneapolis again."

You can become a proud "owner" of the Pi Bar and Community Center by sending all you can to:

Pi Bar
2532 25th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406

In the unlikely event that not enough funds are raised to purchase the building, your check will not be cashed. If you want your check returned to you in this event, please send a note indicating the same along with the check.

FROM THE OWNER OF PI BAR: TARA YULE

Thank you for the amazing response Pi Bar has received thus far. Pledges and donations are increasing by the hour. Not surprisingly, people have some questions about what these donations mean.

Question #1: What do I get?
- Satisfaction of contributing to an important venue for our community.

Question #2: Am I buying a share in a property or a business?
- No. These are donations, gifts without expectation of a tangible return.

Question #3: Joni said something about "community owned", what does she mean by that?
- What she meant was, the end result would be that we all came together as a community to save a concept and a space for the whole community.

Question #4: If I give money, am I donating to a non-profit and is my donation tax-deductible?
- No.

Question #5: What about VIP perks for contribution?
- We want to be able to thank all donors. Some ideas for gifts might include VIP passes for free admission to events. It may include some drink tickets or special VIP only events. It may include some sort of commemorative display in the bar. Levels of donation are antithetical to Pi's philosophy. Any amount of gift will be appreciated and it is our intent to acknowledge all.

Question #5: What if not enough money is made to save the building, do I get my money back?
- Yes. The checks are being kept in a secure place and will not be cashed if we cannot save the building. If you want your actual check back, please attach a note with the check.

Question #6: What will Pi be if the building is saved?
- Pi will be much the same as it has grown to be. The culture and community will continue to grow. The work that we have done with the community will continue as long as Pi is in operation. Pi will still close Nov. 15th. If we can buy the building, we will reopen a short time later. We might spruce up the joint a little. We might rearrange our calendar and our hours slightly. Tara Yule will remain on in an administrative, managerial, and community building capacity. Many of the current staff will still be around. We will open with a renewed, strengthened, and expanded community vision.