We are living in some scary times. Scary in ways that aren’t exactly fun. Among the many who are struggling to make ends meet right now are the creatives who criminally overlooked as essential. The health and safety of our artists in the creative and performing arts remains our number one priority, especially during these turbulent and challenging times.

One of the many organizations doing something to help the creative community is The Max’s Kansas City Project, a 501c3 nonprofit, was established in 2001, in memory of the late Mickey Ruskin, the creator of Max’s Kansas City, the legendary restaurant/bar/club that catered to the counterculture scene in downtown New York City.

Mickey was a huge Patron of the Arts, and so are they.

The Max’s Kansas City Project explains, “Our Emergency Relief Fund has been committed to awarding grants for over 19 years. Unexpectedly, with the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, we are inundated with requests. Our waiting list keeps growing and we find ourselves helpless to fulfill our mission.”

As supporters of artists and the creative community, some of whom work tirelessly to terrify us year round, we thought it our duty to tell you how you might be able to help if you can. If you would like to aid them in their goal to meet this overwhelming demand while benefiting from the passage of the recent CARES Act, which provides a new incentive for charitable giving, visit www.maxskansascity.org to learn more. Letters can be addressed to MKC Project, PO Box 4431, Kingston, NY 12401, or telephone +1 (845) 481-3416. An extensive list of resources for freelancers is also available on our Facebook page

We invite those who can to give


Named for the famed Manhattan nightclub, The Max’s Kansas City Project provides emergency funding and resources for creative arts professionals. This includes individuals who have made their living in the arts and demonstrate a need for medical, legal, or financial aid and assistance with housing.

About the Author

Norman Gidney is a nearly lifelong horror fan. Beginning his love for the scare at the age of 5 by watching John Carpenter's Halloween, he set out on a quest to share his passion for all things spooky with the rest of the world.