Despite what some might think, the Austin Area Commission for the Arts (AACA) does not make much revenue from selling tickets to their events.

We rely heavily on local sponsors and donors to help us offer free programming and lower ticket prices. These opportunities help make our wonderful arts experiences accessible to all our community members.

Sponsors and donors also help us offer the Paramount to area nonprofits for their fundraiser events, like the upcoming Sweets and Sounds fundraiser this Friday at 7 p.m.

This annual event raises money for the Michael H. Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center.

Tickets are $15 in advance and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Paramount Box Office, by calling 434-0934 or online at paramounttheatre.org.

Dessert selections are included in the price of the ticket, and door prizes will be given out throughout the evening. Entertainment will feature numerous talented local artists.

Since opening in August of 2008, the Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center staff has provided 9,200 hours of direct service for parents and 853 unduplicated hours of service for children.

Some of these children have visited with parents once or twice, some many times.

All have had the opportunity to meet in a family atmosphere with the safety that the Seibel Center and staff provide to the families. The AACA is pleased to be able to offer our space at a reduced rate for this fantastic organization.

Over the next month, Dick McIntosh and our Board of Directors will be approaching area businesses about sponsoring our 2012-13 season.

Please consider helping us provide non-profits a venue to use for their fundraising activities and to help us make this another wonderful year of programs for our community to enjoy.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, please contact Jennie Germain at director@paramounttheatre.org or by calling 434-0934.