I'll be a patron for the arts.

Why do I forget to go to theater? Seriously. Chicago is jam-packed with great theater and I never think to go, I rarely even see friend's shows anymore. Tonight I got to attend the opening night of Love Song at Steppenwolf and I can say that a good part of my $11,000 is going to go towards patronage.

Let's take a look at what being a patron at Steppenwolf includes. Instead of a weeklong experience like a trip, this would be a year long experience for one day of support.

I think that I will be a Grand Patron with a $10,000 donation to Steppenwolf theater. Here are the benefits:

• Two complimentary subscriptions to Steppenwolf's Season (not including Opening Nights
• Personalized assistance with subscription exchanges and renewals
• Opportunity to purchase house seats for all Steppenwolf productions
• Priority e-mail notification of special ticket opportunities
• Invitations to Exclusive Directors Circle Meet-the-Artists events throughout the season
• Priority invitation to the Steppenwolf Gala
• Yearlong recognition as a Directors Circle Member in Steppenwolf Season Program
• Your choice of one poster signed by the cast from the Steppenwolf Season
• Two complimentary Opening Night subscriptions to Steppenwolf's Season, including a post-show party with the cast (or any other subscription series)
• Invitation to a pre-performance Opening Night dinner with Steppenwolf artists and trustees
• Invitation to Steppenwolf's Annual Holiday Luncheon with Steppenwolf artists, trustees, staff and other Steppenwolf enthusiasts
• Personalized assistance for purchasing theater tickets for other national theaters
  Opportunity to arrange a private Backstage Tour
• Invitation to a reading of a play from the New Plays Initiative, featuring a conversation with the playwright
• Opportunity to attend a rehearsal for one Steppenwolf production with the director and cast
• Invitation to a private pre-performance dinner with the Artistic Director and Executive Director

But Leah, you say, that leaves $1000. What will you do with that? A lady needs to pay for valet, taxi's and a beutiful new outfit or two, right? After all, a Grand Patron should look lovely. I'll get a few fantastic peices (to add to the shopping spree I had earlier at Vive La Femme.) I think $1000 should cover it. Besides, as a Grand Patron, I don't want non Grand Patrons to feel I'm above them. So sometimes I'll take the train.