2006: “Can’t Stop the Serenity” (or CSTS for short) started in 2006 by a man known as The One True b!X in Portland, Oregon. This very avid fan decided to show Serenity on Joss Whedon’s birthday as a charity event to raise money for one of Joss’ favorite charities that his late mother was involved with, Equality Now.

When b!X decided to share this idea with the world and invite them to join in, we are sure he had no idea that 46 cities across the globe would sign up to organize similar events, across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These events ranged from simply screening the movie, to elaborate shindigs, parties, and even Browncoat feasts! Many were organized within just a couple of months. After all the screenings were done, these fans stood by proudly as their combined efforts raised over US $65,000 for Equality Now.

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2007: Immediately after, there was chatter about holding the event bigger and better in 2007. It wasn’t long before it was decided to make the event an annual one. So in 2007, with Devin Pike (Dallas, TX) at the helm of the ship, 42 cities signed up to hold a screening. A stunning logo for 2007 was designed by Adam “Lexigeek” Levermore and from that global merchandise was organized, with T-shirts and movie-size posters available for purchase. The same design was used to create other merchandise locally such as magnets, mugs, badges, and many other shiny items. We received global sponsorship from a wide range of fan favourites, who donated items which were used as prizes for raffles, auctions, costume contests and more at local events . With more time to organize their events and a stronger global support network in place, the organizers in 2007 went on to raise an impressive US $106,000 for Equality Now.

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2008: Beth Nelson (Austin, TX) took the reigns in 2008, and the event grew to 45 cities in 4 countries. With Adam Levermore once again providing the promotional artwork, new global sponsors came on board, and though there were fears that folks wouldn’t come out to see Serenity any more, it was a wonderful feeling to see that the fans still had a passion for the universe Joss had created, and for the movement he inspired. In Beth’s own words, “We faced adversity together and triumphed over it. That makes us mighty, and it makes me proud to call myself a Browncoat. The easy times don’t often show a person’s true character; it’s how people act when met with conflict that shows their real nature. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make sure that 2008’s Can’t Stop the Serenity events were not only successful, but beyond our expectations.” The 2008 events raised $107,219 for Equality Now.

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2009: Saw a new face take charge, with Anne Barringer (Memphis, TN) stepping up to the plate. “What I hope to accomplish for 2009,” Anne said at the beginning of her term, “is to take what Beth and her fellow Global Organizers before her started to fruition. The fact that Beth helped hold this ship together in the face of adversity and a shortage of supplies (film) while helping CSTS continue to mean something has inspired me to follow suit; together we can see this dream grow into more successful events and a louder voice for change. I want to encourage as much participation as I can from all of those who hear the call to do good works, and I’m looking for fresh ideas and enthusiasm to keep CSTS flying high for years to come.” This inspiration drew new cities into the fold, and Can’t Stop the Serenity swelled to 50 cities in 7 countries. Anne also introduced the very successful Art Contest to design the annual artwork (which introduced Don McMillan to a worldwide audience of fans) and brought Joss Whedon’s Dr Horrible’s Sing-along Blog into the mix to rave reviews. And despite the economic hard time, local organizers and fans dug deep across the globe to raise a staggering $137,331 for Equality Now and other charities.

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2010: For the fifth year of Can’t Stop the Serenity, the event’s global leadership went to Portland, OR. Christine Mooney accepted the challenge, and the event continued to grow, with 52 cities joining in across 5 countries. The Art Contest returned, and few were surprised that Don McMillan’s gorgeous designs were chosen. Dr Horrible’s Sing-along Blog continued to be the perfect accompanyiment to Serenity, and additional content from The Guild and Megabot continued to bring something new for audiences. Over $140,000 was raised – a new record! In just five years, fans raised over half a million dollars for Equality Now and other charities. These funds have allowed Equality Now to support victims of violence, work to change unjust laws, raise awareness and provide opportunities for women.

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2011: In 2011, William Pace of Utah took the reins of the Global Team. Fifty-one cities registered including a first for CSTS – a Wedding reception which also served as an Affiliate event. The Art Contest had a lot of good entries but Melanie Fischer’s strong images won the day. The CSTS Griswald Award, which recognises the local Browncoat crew who raises the most money each year, was retired in 2011 after being engraved with a record of over $500,000. It has now found a loving home at Equality Now, presented to Jessica Neuwirth and Amanda Sullivan in Los Angeles by The One True b!X. Also in LA, Joss Whedon attended his first ever CSTS event, where he thanked Browncoats everywhere for their efforts to support Equality Now. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog and The Guild continued to round out the events, bringing fans of those shows who might not have attended otherwise. Fan-made film Browncoats: Redemption was also added this year to the delight of many. Year six saw amounts raised for Equality Now range from $50 to $20,000 and we knew that every dollar raised was important. Our sponsors ensured that every city had something to raffle or auction, and that our Global auction would be impressive indeed. A total of $156,512 was raised in 2011 for Equality Now and the other charities.

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2012: Saw the return of William Pace returned to lead Can’t Stop the Serenity. Our 2012 logo was designed by Melanie Fischer. Early on it was learned that most of the 35mm films in the United States were gone, with digital copies replacing them. Those who had seen Serenity in digital praised the clean crisp look of the movie. 43 cities registered including some new events, giving even more people the change to see Serenity on the big screen. For many fans, this was their first opportunity to do so. Events ranged from weekend long celebrations to dinner and movie to BBQs. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog, The Guild, Done the Impossible and various fan films were shown along with Serenity. The year closed out with the now annual e-Bay auction, which gives Browncoats and other fandoms a chance to get some fantastic swag. Our sponsors contributed a lot to the auction with many of them also contributing enough to ensure that all 43 cities would have some items to sell, raffle off, auction or otherwise make their events more special. A total of $110,466 was raised for Equality Now and the other charities in 2012.

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2013: Our eighth year saw Dave Catoe (Norfolk, VA) take over the reigns Global Events Coordinator. This year’s art was designed by Steve Jeyes. We changed things up a bit in 2013. The season was extended to start in April and finish at the end of October, as with events being held around the globe, a longer season allowed cities to make best use of their local circumstances. In order to keep events fresh, new content was made available for screening, including various fan favourite web series episodes such as Trailer Park Heroes and The Daly Show. We also had on hand a wonderful group of graphic artists who offered their skills to whichever Organizer might need them for posters, tickets, and more. 2013 was the year of music with multiple events bringing in musicians for live performances, as well as several cities worked on breaking the record for the most attendees singing the Hero of Canton, with North Texas being the winner. The annual E-bay auction was another success, with a great selection of autographed items as well as memorabilia, collectibles and more up for grabs. There were 41 groups holding events in 2013 with an impressive $115,420 raised for Equality Now and other charities. But this is by no means the end. Events continue to find new homes and new faces discover the world of Mal, Zoe, Wash, Jayne, Inara, Kaylee, Simon, River, Book and Serenity.

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2014: Was a different year from CSTS as no one stepped forward to become the Global Event Coordinator. Most of the Global team from the previous year stayed on, and with the help of the Steering Committee, got the most important things done such as the permission to show Dr. Horrible again, and T-shirts made and shipped out. The art contest for the official image for 2014 was a tightly fought contest once again but Jake Thompson’s ship was the clear winner. Other favorites such as the sponsors’ package sent to each event could not be done. However event cities worked that much harder to get great items for their raffles and auctions. New cities came on board, so that we had 44 events in 4 countries. The auction was a very small one, due to the absence of a Global Event Coordinator and we thanked the New Melbourne Browncoats for donating all the items we did have to auction off. Even with the setbacks, an impressive $97,598 was raised for the year. Equality Now declared November 10th Browncoat Appreciation Day with tweets and comments and a special page on their website thanking all of us for all we have done for them so far. The biggest news for 2014 was that over the 9 years, Can’t Stop The Serenity had raised 1 Million Dollars U.S. for Equality Now and the other charities that event cities have chosen over the years. It was a great way to end the year.

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2015: Was a banner year. We were celebrating 10 years of doing good works. Sheilah O’Connor stepped forward to become the Global Event Coordinator after 4 years on the Global Team in a variety of positions. The Steering Committee had asked Adam Levermore to create our 10th Anniversary logo. Adam had done other work for CSTS in previous years including the 2007 poster and a much needed website overhaul some years later.

We had a special surprise for our annual intro video. Joss himself congratulated us on raising 1 million dollars and on our 10th anniversary. Other well known people did as well. Jewel Staite, writers Jane Espenson & Jose Molina, Firefly composer Greg Edmonson, and many of our event cities all sent in their congrats. We kept the extended season of April through mid October and even then we had requests for an even longer season! Geek and Sundry offered us many of their most popular series including The Guild, Table Top, Written by a Kid and others to show either in an Affiliate event or for those cities having extended Screenings. There was a feeling of celebration throughout the year with many cities having special events to mark our 10 years. New groups came on board, as happens every year, proving that Browncoats just don’t quit. $96,618 was raised in 60 different events large and small.

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2016: Was a uniquely challenging year at CSTS. After a decade of good works, the majority of the Global Team who had worked so hard for so long were ready to retire and move on to new things. There was some intense behind-the-scenes discussion on whether CSTS was simply done after 10 years, or whether enough interest remained in the community to continue. Although participation was expected to decline after the 10th anniversary, the decision was made to try. Annie Burnaman agreed to take on the job of Global Event Coordinator, on condition that the season would proceed if we were able to find enough volunteers to fill out a brand new Global team – and once again love kept us in the air. Sheilah O’Connor and Stephanie Leasure agreed to take on the responsibilities of the outgoing Steering Committee. Julia Svaganovic stayed on in her capacity as Donations Administrator, and a whole new crew of passionate folks materialized at the 11th hour to save CSTS. A revitalized art contest, was won by Jeffrey Weniger with an iconic logo design. It was a bit of a bumpy ride, with almost everyone learning on the job, but the season was an unqualified success. Post 10th Anniversary participation declined less than was feared, and several cities celebrated their inaugural events in 2016. In all, 34 events, a Global eBay auction, and our first ever online T-shirt campaign raised a total of $68,996 for 18 charities.

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2017: The 2017 season saw another action-packed year at Can’t Stop the Serenity. Bob Averell bravely stepped forward to take the reigns as GEC, leading the same Global team from 2016 – now with a season of experience! 2017 was a big year for Equality Now, as they celebrated their 25th anniversary of fighting for the rights of women and girls, with a lovely special thanks to CSTS from Joss Whedon and Yasmeen Hassan. In honor of their 25 year milestone, Equality Now also unveiled a gorgeous new logo, resulting in a really fun second (main logo) art contest for Can’t Stop the Serenity! Artist Nick Kremenek won the CSTS 2017 art contest, topping many outstanding entries. As always, each event was as unique as the individuals organizing it, and the season featured some very fun quirks, including games, costumes, a virtual event, and even a giant teddy bear dressed as a certain mechanical genius. In all, 23 events were celebrated in 18 cities, raising $45,654 for 7 charities.

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2018: We had another stellar year in 2018 as Can’t Stop the Serenity keeps on flying. Annie Burnaman and Sheilah O’Connor split GEC duties. Graphic artist Jeffrey Weniger won the CSTS art contest for a second time! His 2018 design is the first one to incorporate the new CSTS logo, featuring the new Equality Now logo in honor of their 25th anniversary last year.

Some cities are seeing a new generation of Browncoats having big damn fun while raising money for charity. Several CSTS cities even broke fundraising records this year. Once again, events large and small raised money for Equality Now and other charities. The total amount of funds raised was $43,807 via 21 events in 16 cities.

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2019: We closed out the decade keeping the signal strong with another year of successful events. 2019 saw participation from 15 cities holding a total of 25 different events. Charlie Fitch of the Albuquerque Browncoats was our Global Event Coordinator, bringing with him many years of CSTS knowledge to our all-volunteer Global Crew of Big Damn Heroes. Our shiny logo was designed by Nick Kremenek, winning the CSTS art contest for a second year! 2019 was also a year of major transitions, with the previous CSTS Steering Committee retiring, and five mighty Browncoats stepping up to serve: Cheryl Mattson, Matt Black, Andrea Edman, Emma Doran, and Ria Selvaggio. We kept flying, though, and succeeded in raising a total of $42,345 for Equality Now and local charities. This brings our grand total, since 2006, to more than $1,335,000 raised for charity!

Sadly, we lost a huge presence in our Global Browncoat family with the loss of Cheryl Barton Mattson at the end of 2019. Cheryl served for several years on our Global Crew along with holding a position on our Global Steering Committee in 2019. She was a proud member of the Utah Browncoats and her generous, hilarious, compassionate and sarcastic personality will be missed by all of those who continue to love and miss her.

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Funds Raised Since 2006: $1,335,000+

All funds are calculated in US dollars.

Past Years

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Participating Cities:

124 cities in 9 countries

United States
Albany, NY – 2006*
Albuquerque, NM – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019=
Ann Arbor, MI US – 2006, 2009 *
Arcata, CA US – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019^
Arlington, VA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017=
Atlanta, GA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015*=
Austin, TX – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011*^
Baltimore, MD – 2009, 2010, 2011
Bloomington, IN – 2006*
Boston, MA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016*^
Champaign, IL – 2007
Charlotte, NC – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013*^
Charleston, SC – 2012
Chicago, IL US – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013*^
Cleveland, OH – 2006, 2007, 2015*
Columbus, OH – 2008
Concord, NH – 2006*
Crest Hill, IL – 2015
Daytona Beach, FL – 2009
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019*=
Denver, CO – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019*=
Des Moines, IA – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Duluth, MN – 2014
Eagle Mountain, UT – 2017,2018
Fairfax, VA – 2015, 2016
Fort Collins, CO – 2006*
Fort Douglas, UT – 2015
Fresno, CA – 2006*
Ft. Lauderdale, FL – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Gaffney, SC – 2015
Hartford, CT – 2009
Holladay, UT – 2011
Houston, TX – 2006, 2008, 2012*
Jenkintown, PA – 2015
Kansas City, MO – 2006, 2011, 2012*
Lancaster, PA – 2016
Las Vegas, NV – 2008, 2009, 2017
Lawrence, KS – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2018^
Lebanon, TN – 2010
Lexington, KY – 2016,2017,2018
Lincoln, RI – 2010, 2011
Logan, UT – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017
Los Angeles, CA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2016,2019*^
Madison, WI – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013*^
Memphis, TN – 2008, 2009
Miami Springs, FL – 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Middleton, WI – 2017
Milwaukee, WI – 2006, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019*^
Minneapolis, MN – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016*^
Nashville, TN/Scottsville, KY – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014^
Newhall, CA – 2010
New York City, NY – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,2018,2019*=
Newtown, CT – 2015
Norfolk, VA – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016^
Orange County, CA – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017,2018,2019=
Philadelphia, PA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017,2018,2019*=
Phoenix, AZ – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015*=
Pittsburgh, PA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019*=
Plainview, NY – 2010
Platteville, WI – 2014, 2015, 2016
Portland, OR – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015*^
Providence, RI – 2014
Raleigh, NC – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019*=
Riverside, CA – 2009
Sacramento, CA – 2006, 2007, 2014,2015*
Salem & Cambridge, MA – 2009, 2010
Salt Lake City, UT – 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019*=
San Antonio, TX – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2017,2018,2019^
San Diego, CA – 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011,2019^*
San Francisco, CA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015*^
San Mateo, CA – 2007
Sandy, UT – 2014
Santa Fe, NM – 2016, 2017,2018
Sayville, NY – 2010
Seattle, WA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015*=
Silicon Valley, CA – 2007
St. Louis, MO – 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014
Syracuse, – 2011
Tampa, FL – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2014*
Tucson, AZ – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015*=
Tulsa, OK – 2009
Yellow Springs, OH – 2008, 2009

Canada
Edmonton, AB – 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013*
Grande Prairie, AB – 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016^
Halifax, NS – 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015^
Montreal, QC – 2006*, 2013, 2014, 2015
Ottawa, ON – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Surrey, BC – 2015
Toronto, ON – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016*=
Vancouver, BC – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015*^

Australia
Adelaide, SA – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2016,2019*^
Brisbane, QLD – 2008
Launceston, TAS – 2008, 2009
Melbourne, VIC – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017*=
Narre Warren, VIC – 2015, 2016
Nowra, NSW – 2012, 2013, 2014
Perth, WA – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015^
Sydney, NSW – 2006, 2007, 2010*

United Kingdom
Aberdeen – 2014
Beeston – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015^
Birmington – 2010, 2011, 2013
Blackwood – 2014
Bristol – 2009, 2010, 2012
Chelmsford – 2012
Edinburgh – 2007, 2015, 2016
Gateshead – 2010, 2012
Glastonbury – 2007, 2012
Gloucester – 2010, 2011, 2012
Harrogate – 2016, 2017
Leeds – 2006*, 2013
Leicester – 2008, 2014
Liverpool – 2011, 2012
London – 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015^
Newcastle – 2011
Nottingham – 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Oxford – 2006, 2007*
Warwick – 2008, 2009

New Zealand
Auckland – 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009*
Wellington – 2006*

Ireland
Dublin – 2007, 2009, 2011

Germany
Brake (Unterweser) – 2015
Hamburg – 2009, 2010

Austria
Graz – 2007

France
Paris – 2007, 2015

* Foundation Year City, ^ 5 Year Veteran City, = 10 Year Veteran City
Note: Information is based on content available on the past year global websites.