What can be achieved in 60 seconds?
Making a pot of coffee for rehearsal, brushing up on our lines for the next scene--how about raising an average of $868.33.
It began in New York City... as most success stories do.
The ITO were in the Big Apple to discuss fundraising with EdTA's Director of Development, Mr. Marion Combs. We got on the topic of how we could increase support for The Lincoln Experience, a collection of all the various financial aid packages that bring individual students/troupes to the Thespian Festival. We decided to focus on fundraising for the Send A Troupe to Festival grant and as we looked below at hustle and bustle of New York City streets it hit us--a national tour of Minute to Give It's.
At Thespian Festival last year the ITO raised nearly $3,500 in one minute, and we figured let's go bigger!
The International Thespian Society is fortunate to have 45 active state chapters within the United States (and 2 International chapters). Of those 45 state chapters, 23 joined us on the "Minute to Give It" journey so far.
The green buckets made their first appearance at the Texas Thespian Festival in November, and from there on a difference was made. As the momentum continued we could never predict the magnitude of donations that would pour in, to compensate we decided to set a goal in December of raising $10,000 by the end of our term in August.
Thespians, YOU did it. YOU exceeded the goal. We are so proud to announce that with the 14 minutes (860 seconds) that have been held so far, we have raised $12,156.67 for The Lincoln Experience.
This achievement illustrates what it means to be a Thespian. We come from all different corners of the world, attend all different types of state events, but we all have the same goal at heart--to hit our mark.
Whether we are on or off the stage, serving our school or our state, we understand what it means to make an impact. After all, the first thing we learn about theatre is the element of being apart of an ensemble. The Thespian Society is honored to have over 2 million ensemble members since its establishment in 1929. Regardless of where we come from, it is inspiring that we can come together to support one another.
Every dollar makes a difference.
And we aren't done yet.