HELP MAKE THE BERKELEY FINNISH HALL ACCESSIBLE TO WHEELCHAIR USERS!

#LOVETHEHALL

Let's welcome EVERYbody to this historical community space!
Built in 1932 by immigrant families with volunteer labor, the Berkeley Finnish Hall has long stood for Finnish values of equality of opportunity and mutual aid. Let’s make sure this local treasure can be a resource for the whole community, regardless of physical ability.

WE NEED TO RAISE $100,000

With your help, we can put in ramps to two levels, and another fully ADA compliant bathroom in the basement. Your contribution gets us closer to being the inclusive and welcoming space we want to be, and helps us avoid needing to shut our doors! The name of all donors will be included on a special commemorative plaque.

Donations are processed via Sense Object, the 501(c)3 arts organization in residence at the hall. Any donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.  EIN #93-1507563

Prefer to send an old fashioned check?
You can do that as well!  

Make it out to "Sense Object", and send to:
1970 Chestnut St. 
Berkeley CA 94702

If you prefer, you can also donate via

Zelle or Paypal using contactsenseobject@gmail.com
Venmo @senseobject
or using the Donate button below to make a credit card payment.
(Please note “ADA” when making your donations!)

About Finnish Heritage Society

The Berkeley Finnish Hall and the Finnish Heritage Society (FHS) historically served Finnish immigrants through mutual aid, and currently serves those seeking connection with Finnish heritage and cultural practices. FHS was formerly known as Lodge 21, which was the second largest lodge in the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers & Sisters association. Finnish cultural activities at the Berkeley Finnish Hall have included stage plays, dances, an orchestra, chorus, folk dancing, lending library, public dances, concerts, voting for Finnish national elections, movies, arts shows, poetry readings, benefits, and holiday parties.

Today, Finnish Heritage Society events are open to the public, regardless of heritage.  The Berkeley Finnish Hall and Finnish Heritage Society seek to promote social welfare for the entire community by making the Hall available for community events related to dance, art, music, history, health and wellness, and other community functions. FHS educates the public about Finnish heritage, culture, and traditions, and upholds the mission and values of the Finnish immigrant community that built the hall in 1932.
finnishhall.org

About Sense Object

Sense Object was founded in 2011 as a small arts organization with a mission of fostering contemporary and experimental dance and performing arts by creating performance, research, and educational opportunities. We mostly produce events that focus on development stages, and which highlight the artistic process over the final product. We believe performance practices are contemplative practices, both for artists and audiences, and that they are indispensable to our cultural weft. Sense Object has been producing programming at the Berkeley Finnish Hall since 2014, including classes, workshops, open dance jams, residencies, and performances.  We are currently the arts organization in residence at the hall, and are grateful for our special partnership with this unique community center. 
senseobject.com