Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend is not only the world’s biggest and most prestigious burlesque gathering, it is also the longest running. Continuous since 1957, the weekend has its roots in Hall of Fame founder Jennie Lee‘s annual gathering of stars from the art’s heyday. Since Jennie’s passing in 1990, Dixie Evans has upheld that dream, growing the reunion from an informal, private gathering of retired exotics into the internationally renown four-day extravaganza now known as Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend.

Since Jennie’s widower, Charles Arroyo, passed away in 2006, BHOF has experienced many challenges—including relocating from Helendale, California to Las Vegas, NV. Five years later, we’re facing a critical tipping point… and we need your help, to ensure the museum’s survival and one of our proudest traditions.

As Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend has grown, so has our commitment to celebrating the women (and men) who made burlesque great. We are proud of our Living Legends—and we need your help to get as many of them as possible to Vegas this year.

We can’t spell “Burlesque” without “U”—so we’re issuing the official BHOF WEEKEND LEGENDS CHALLENGE for 2011!

That’s right, we’re challenging members of the international burlesque community to show their love for our Living Legends by helping us raise enough money to offset the cost of sending them to BHOF Weekend this June.

In today’s difficult financial climate, BHOF has very limited funds—and as such, our ability to cover travel costs for our honored guests has been severely compromised. By holding a BHOF WEEKEND LEGENDS CHALLENGE fundraiser , you will be personally responsible for “sending a superstar to Vegas,” thereby ensuring the continued success of both BHOF Weekend and the world’s only burlesque museum itself!

Sure, but… what do I get out of it?

–You’ll receive a signed certificate of honor
–You’ll be listed on the BHOF site as one of the official fundraiser contributors; we’ll link to your website and include you in press releases to national (and if we get any overseas participants, international) media
–We’ll send you an official kit designed to make your fundraiser as painless and profitable as possible
-You’ll be invited to an exclusive event during the BHOF weekend that is only open to BHOF Fundraising Challenge participants and the Legends whose travel you’ve helped sponsor. For every $500 you raise, you’ll receive  one (1) ticket to this event.
–The three biggest fundraisers will be honored with a special award, on stage at  Friday night’s Burlesque Reunion Showcase (Legends Night)
–You’ll enjoy that tremendous reward that comes from doing a good deed that will benefit the entire burlesque community as a whole.

Help preserve, celebrate and honor the living history of burlesque, and join the Fundraising Challenge.

Okay, I’m in. But first, tell me…

Is there a minimum amount I need to raise?

There’s no minimum, but we’re suggesting a goal of $1000 for each fundraiser.

Do you have any tips on how to produce a successful benefit?

Yes! Once you have signed up, we will send you a series of suggestions we’ve compiled that will help you produce a fantastic benefit.

Is there a cut off for fundraising?

To participate in the 2011 challenge, you must hold your benefit before June 1, 2011 and deliver the proceeds by June 5, 2011.

I can’t hold an event – is there still some way I can help?

Yes! By donating directly to the museum, donating your frequent flyer miles, or donating an item to the official BHOF fundraising auction. More details on the auction TBA.

How do I sign up?

Email challenge@burlesquehall.com with your confirmed date and venue, venue capacity, proposed ticket price, city and state, and the name of your troupe, group or show. Note: You must have a confirmed date and location before we can add you to the site.

Can I sponsor a specific Legend?

Yes, but please contact us first at challenge@burlesquehall.com to determine if the Legend is already being sponsored. Legend sponsorships are determined on a first come, first serve basis.

Someone has already signed up to do a benefit in my city. Can I still do one?

Yes. The more, the merrier! But please coordinate with the other fundraiser(s) so the dates of your events don’t conflict.