I’ll just be frank. I’d like you to give money to the Norman Arts Council, please.

If you donate to the NAC, you’ll get more than you give.

So, what is the Norman Arts Council? Well, it’s a non-profit organization that helps keep creative and cultural events and programs alive in Norman. The NAC supports events you’ve probably heard of or been to, like Jazz in June, Summer Breeze, the May Fair, the Norman Music Festival and the Medieval Fair.

Why should you give your lunch money to the Norman Arts Council? The NAC depends on donations. And everyone needs gigantic turkey legs, jam sessions and creative outlets.

What else is in it for you?

First, you will help the NAC provide cheap entertainment. With today’s tight budgets, no one wants to sit at home on Friday nights knitting. Well, I would, but not most people. Two movie tickets, dinner and drinks costs about $5 billion.

Many local art exhibits, concerts and groovy museum events in Norman are free. But, without everyone’s pocket change, Norman’s venues cannot provide inexpensive entertainment.

For all you sorority sisters and frat boys trying to get your community service points, the NAC has a deal for you.

Talk with your execs. Donate your money. Knock out those points and have extra time to study (or primp for your date party). Sure beats chalking, right?

Next, for the business tycoons and entrepreneurs out there, the NAC offers ample opportunities to advertise in unconventionally cool ways.

Last Friday, a trolley rolled around town, carrying people from the campus to downtown arts districts’ hip and hoppin’ joints. During the ride, actors improvised live commercials for many local shops between stops.

You can’t exactly flip the channel on a trolley. So, does your campus organization or charity event need some promotion? Give the NAC a ring. While you slip them $10, ask about advertising.

Finally, one of the NAC’s events, the second annual Norman Music Festival, is right around the corner. It’s going to be South by Southwest — but just up the street. And it costs a big fat nothing.

NMF2 is offering you yet another sweet treat. A free T-shirt for all volunteers! In these times of economic woe, how can you bypass a full day of music and a wardrobe addition gratis?

For volunteer information, check out NMF2 at www.normanmusicfestival.com.

See? Isn’t the Norman Arts Council worth it?

Here’s the lowdown: Log on to www.normanarts.org. Press the cute little yellow PayPal button to donate via plastic. For checks and cash, whip out that cellular device and dial 360-1162. They’ll chat you up real nice.

It’s easy. Twenty bucks for students and educators to become an official member. It’s something to add to a resume. Not to mention, it’s a tax write-off.

Personally, I rather enjoyed last Friday night’s trolley rides, mingling with local celebs over free wine, learning how to blow glass, admiring naked painted people and tasting chocolate hors d’oeuvres at the first 2nd Friday Circuit of Art.

You’ve got my allowance, NAC.

-Lindsey Allgood is a professional writing senior.