The Catalogue has not listed First Night before, because although it is certainly excellent and a leader in philanthropy, our panelists felt that it is already one of the most-publicized philanthropic endeavors at Catalogue-time, so what value could we add? This year we decided that perhaps because it is so excellent and prominent, we should remind folks that First Night is, after all, a charitable organization, significantly reliant on personal charitable donations to support what it does for us all. What began 30 years ago as a few artists looking for constructive alternatives to the usual New Year’s Eve revelry, has now grown into a gala showcase celebration with 250 exhibits and performances in all the arts, at over 30 indoor and outdoor venues. Some 200 similar celebrations around the world are modeled after it. Beyond the Night itself, its Neighborhood Network reaches 2,000 children annually through arts and community-building workshops featuring richly diverse traditions, from Irish step to African dance. Children get to show, on First Night itself, what they have learned. As corporations and foundations have moved on to other interests, personal donations are crucial — “private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life.” This is your invitation, and we hope you will RSVP.