Yes, it is true! And even better, the money spent goes towards charity. Philanthro Productions brings a novel concept to the club scene, encouraging patrons to “party for a good cause”. I interviewed Molly Chen, Co-Vice President Non-Profit Chair at Philanthro to find out more.

Here’s Molly, about to get her tax deductible groove on for a good cause!

[G2GL] So Molly, What is Philanthro all about?

[Molly] Philanthro is a non-profit organization whose mission is to engage young adults in philanthropy and different charities by throwing first rate events that are fun and committed to a great cause at the same time.

[G2GL] Are bar tabs and entrance fees associate with your organization really tax deductible?

[Molly] Yes. Because we are a 501 c 3 organization, any donations [which include any money spent at our events] are tax deductible.

[G2GL] How was Philanthro started?

[Molly] Philanthro was founded in February 2007 by two young consultants in Los Angeles. They quickly assembled a team of dedicated Gen Y volunteers that represent some of the most talented individuals in their respective professions and communities.

[G2GL] How did you get involved with Philanthro, and what do you do for them?

[Molly] I attended their last event at Cabana Club whose nonprofit partnership was Camp Heartland, a great organization committed to helping kids with AIDS, and was extremely impressed at the professionalism and distinction of their event from a regular Hollywood club night. I was recruited through a few college friends who were in Philanthro who I’d met through other charity organizations during college to be a Co-VP Non-Profit Chair. I recruit and foster the partnerships with non-profits who reach out to us and I help to facilitate the relationship between the two groups.

[G2GL] What are your parties like, in terms of the usual type of venues, mood, demographic, number of attendees, formality?

[Molly] We book our events at top-notch clubs in Hollywood, although we are looking to branch out to different areas of Los Angeles, and even different types of venues, for future events. We draw between 500-700 young professionals, students, and socially conscious clubbers to each event — most are in their mid-20’s. We aim for a different theme at each event, which impacts the mood, but generally, we just try to throw the best party possible, and provide a great social networking opportunity in an upscale environment.

[G2GL] How much money has your organization been able to raise or donate?

[Molly] Since its founding less than a year ago, Philanthro has raised over $17,000 for its partner charities.

[G2GL] How do you choose charities to work with?

[Molly] Philanthro partners with leading charities based on a variety of factors including alignment with Philanthro’s mission and demographic.

[G2GL] Do you have any celebrities working with your cause?

[Molly] Even though it is still a young organization, Philanthro has generated significant buzz in Hollywood. We’ve been proud to feature several special guests including: Jonathan Bennett (Mean Girls), DJ Qualls (Hustle & Flow, Road Trip), Jason Ritter (Days of Our Lives, Swimfan), Marianna Palka (named one of CNN’s “Young People Who Rock” in 2008), DJ Tony Collage (Power 106 FM), Yesi Ortiz (Power 106 FM), Ray Ray Babul (preeminent fashion designer)… We have also partnered with hip Los Angeles companies who have also signed onto our cause, including Pinkberry, Anheuser-Busch, and DirecTV.

[G2GL] Aside from financial donations, how else do your events affect the charities you support?

[Molly] Not only do we raise significant funds for our partner charities, but we also raise awareness and foster affiliation between our patrons and our charities. Additionally, we provide access to opportunities to extend commitment to the cause beyond the one-night event.

[G2GL] What upcoming events or projects do you have planned?

[Molly] Following our next event, PINK: PARTY FOR THE CURE, we are hosting a team for the 12th Annual Los Angeles Race for the Cure on Saturday, March 15 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Come network with other socially-conscious young people from Los Angeles. Visit our website to join our Race team: www.philanthroproductions.org

[G2GL] How can others get involved?

[Molly] Visit our website, www.philanthroproductions.org, or email us at join@philanthroproductions.org

So there you have it! The next time you have a night out on the town, do it with a good cause in mind (and don’t forget the tax deduction fringe benefit!)

Photo by www.danvphotography.com

An icon of Rome, derived from the word “Trivium” meaning intersection of 3 major roads. The Trevi Fountain is an ornate Baroque structure that marks the endpoint of an aqueduct, which once served Rome with its water supply. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea is depicted in the middle.

Photo by trozbo @ Flickr

I think you must visit Rome and this fountain at least once in your life. You just won’t understand what it means to live “the good life” (or as the Italians say “la dolce vita”), until you do. And once you do, it will become your life goal to come back.

Photo by GOC53 @ Flickr

The superstitious say, throw a coin into the Trevi fountain so you will have the good fortune to return. This act by hundreds of tourists daily, does bring luck to many: approximately 3,000 Euro are collected daily and fund a program to feed the poor.

Photo by emacs1969 @ Flickr

When I was turning 21, my father planned an August trip to Italy for our family. He reveled in planning this trip, where I would celebrate my birthday in Rome. I protested saying “But I will already be 21, Dad! My birthday is in April”. And to this, my stunned and red faced father replied “Since when?!”. He forgot my birthday, but I certainly didn’t mind.

Thank you Daddy for this amazing trip, and letting me turn “Forever 21″ in the Eternal City. I’ll never forget it.