Non-profit organizations need fundraising strategies. Fundraising strategies need parties.

Whether you agree with it or not, almost all privately-funded entities employ social events as a technique to bring in the bacon (or the tofu). Throw in a little vino and trendy libations and live auctions become, well, livelier.

It's fun to watch. And if it helps some let go of more cash, I say, go for it. Everyone benefits.

Spacetaker does things a little differently and its upcoming "SOLD OUT" Gala Saturday at the brand new Spring Street Studios homogenizes business with wads of pleasure.

It's really not sold-out, though the popularity of last year's event brought over 800 partygoers, from the finest to the eccentric, sporting modish end-of-the-world Mad Max themed ensembles. How do you describe that in an invitation?

"SOLD OUT" is the thème de la fête, exploring and exposing a solo artist's worst fear: Selling out in favor of naked and unadulterated commercialism. The horror!

Think Bob Ross's happy little trees. Madonna's impromptu make-out session with Britney at the VMA's. Bob Saget in Full House. Zamfir. Who's your poison?

"People generally confuse the idea of making a comfortable living as a performing or visual artist with selling out," Jeremy Keas aka The Smooth Operator DJ, says. "It's when you become detached from your work and lose your identity that 'sell out' happens."

While the gala organizers encourage guests to pay heed and dress up like someone who, in fact, has sold out, it has assembled a raucous group of local non-sold-out artists that morphs this soiree into a performance in its own milieu.

"I want people to walk away from our gala dying to get tickets to the next performances of Suchu Dance, Vault, Two Star Symphony or any artist they meet at the event," Spacetaker executive director Jenni-Rebecca Stephenson says.

"We've often wondered if it might be better to re-brand our gala as an Arts Showcase, since one of our primary goals of the evening is to showcase as much local talent and art as possible. It's heavily tied to our mission in that sense, as well as from the perspective of keeping the basic ticket prices low enough for artists to attend. We want the local art community front and center at our celebration."

Similarly, honoring Jon Deal is aligned with Spacetaker's modus operandi.

"Jon Deal has been instrumental in the renovation and management of Winter Street Studios, which has easily become one of the busiest hubs for arts activity in the city," Stephenson adds. "With the opening of Spring Street, he has led the movement to create a cultural arts district in the Lower Washington area."

Keas is a funk and disco inspired musician, cute if you are into that boyish-baby-face-that-never-ages look. For him, Spacetaker has been an invaluable hub for creative collaborations, networking, exposure and advocacy.

"Spacetaker's online resources for artists like myself — I'm a Culture365 Artist Member — are invaluable," Keas says. "I've always wanted to build an independent career around my creative endeavors and since getting involved with Spacetaker several years ago, I've been making that happen."

His record bag includes remixes, mashups and bootlegs that pay homage and taunt sell out pop artists. But as an advocate of all things local, he plans to spin an arsenal of tunes that deserve more exposure.

You may have to look up to find Amy Ell, a modern dancer and choreographer that avoids the floor at all costs. Vault, Ell's two-year-old company focusing in aerial dance, will showcase two excerpts from Torn, a work in progress. Using floor harnesses, the first piece will allow lifting and manipulation of the performers through space while the second finds its gravitational pull on the wall.

"I love Spacetaker," Ell says. "I have taken workshops offered at their space to help in my development as an artist."

Two Star Symphony is a flexible ensemble, molding easily to the musical demands of their performance space and audience. The will be performing sections from The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, inspired by the German expressionist silent horror film by the same name, in addition to some stand alone works usually programmed at club shows.

"Spacetaker has had an incredible impact on our career," Jerry Ochoa, Two Star Symphony violinist, says. "We're in the last 10 days our first crowdfunding campaign through IndieGoGo and Spacetaker has played a vital behind-the-scenes role in connecting us with people and businesses, offering advice on managing the campaign, and helping raise awareness of our efforts. Spacetaker has always promoted Two Star as performers and they continue to help -- most recently connecting us to Fractured Atlas through which we may finally gain health coverage."

Stylist Vico Puentes heads the vintage fashion show efforts, coordinating models, couture and theme. Infamous in Houston for his unrestrained visionary approach, Puentes will have a platform at the gala to push his ideas beyond his own established practices. Expect models Titanica DeBarge, Charo Beans and Max Xandaux to strut their stuff.

"The show is on the quirkier edge," Puentes says. "All the clothing provided by Height of Vintage features wearable items but the overall feel is campy and craving for attention, somehow a definition of selling out."

The event's closing band, Come See My Dead Person (CSMDP), promises to bring home SOLD OUT with boisterous cacophonous music, usually inspiring crowds to chant in unison while dancing in wild abandonment, no inhibitions allowed.

Though new to the Spacetaker crowd, "the gala has provided us a fantastic opportunity to showcase our art and that speaks volumes to us about the organization as a whole," band member Roy Martinez says.

VIP tickets, granting access to an exclusive lounge, food and bar are $125. Individual tickets are $60 online and $75 at the door with a $15 discount available for Culture 365 members. Tickets are currently on sale online until noon Saturday.