Mother Nature got the Mesquite Arts Council fund raising project off to an early start when the temperatures rose to a high of 102 degrees on Apr. 20 and 100 on Monday, the Apr. 21.

The Hot for the Arts in Mesquite fund raiser will give businesses and individuals a chance to pledge a certain amount from $1 and up for every day the temperature in Mesquite hits 100 degree or higher.

Due to the state of the economy the past few years, the Mesquite Arts Council has not campaigned for a monetary donation; however we must at this point go to businesses and individuals in Mesquite to ask for help in order to keep the Mesquite Arts Council functioning.

The cost of good family

entertainment is continually rising.

Anyone donating $500 and up will receive two season tickets; or for $1000, they will receive four tickets. Patrons also can be listed as a sponsor or co-sponsor of a concert of their choice.

Hot for the Arts officially started April 20 and will continue until September 18, the date of the first planned concert in the 2012-2013 season.

The proceeds will be collected after the September 18 deadline. All checks will be made out to MAC.

To sign up to donate to the performing arts in Mesquite and participate in Hot for the Arts, you can contact any member of the Mesquite Arts Council or call the Mesquite Arts Council office at 346-ARTS and leave a message or contact Susan Bennett at 346-5966.