As we gear up to start the 2011 CSTS season, we’ve officially wrapped up CSTS 2010 and I have finished my term as Global Organiser. I’d like to thank all you Browncoats for helping to make it a great season at Can’t Stop the Serenity.
I’m proud to announce that, with the auctions and screenings, we raised $141,251.25 for Equality Now and other charities! Our highest donation yet! This brings our grand total raised since 2006 to over $550,000!
In 2010, Equality Now received an incredible $120,054.10. Other charities to benefit were UNM Childrens Hospital, Kids Need to Read, Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center, SafePlace Austin, House of the Good Shepherd, Edmonton Women’s Emergency Accommodation Centre, Samaritan House, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Oregon Food Bank, BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Thanks to everyone for their contributions to these wonderful organisations!
With the Screening and Affiliate events, we all had the chance to have a good time and raise money for a great cause. Once again, fans came out in droves to watch Serenity on the big screen. There were fantastic costumes (including a larger than life Jayne hat!) as well as cheering (and sobbing) crowds. And with Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, The Guild, Megabot, Done The Impossible and a Browncoats: Redemption teaser to enjoy, as well as auctions, raffles, contests and more, fans didn’t want for exciting treats.
Sadly, a few events didn’t succeed as planned. Daytona Beach Browncoats were unable to pull together their event and had to cancel (see forum for more details). Lebanon, TN has reported that their event did not make a profit and were thus unable to make a donation (see forum for more details).
But some events exceed all expectations, and we’re delighted to announce that this year’s Griswald Trophy goes to Austin, TX! The Griswald Trophy was introduced in 2006 to inspire organisers to do the impossible, and it has been presented each year to the city who raises the most money. And now that we’ve reached an amazing milestone, having raised over half a million dollars for Equality Now, the Griswald Trophy is being retired. It will be presented to Equality Now, where it will take pride of place in their offices in New York.
2010 was always exciting and challenging, and I deeply appreciate all the support from our leadership team, sponsors, volunteers, and participants. I’m very proud to have been able to contribute, and I thank you all for all your help. I would especially like to thank my fellow Global Team members for their efforts, and all of the fantastic volunteers who organised local events – you are incredible!
And now, with 2010 all wrapped up, William Pace, the 2011 Global Event Coordinator is leading us into another awesome year at CSTS, with over 40 cities already signed up to host events! I hope that you will join us again!
Keep flying,
Christine Mooney
2010 Global Organiser
