Category Archives: Equality Now

It’s Time for a New CSTS Icon

 

When we started in 2006, we got permission from Universal and from Equality Now to combine images from both to create the symbol we all recognize as the Can’t Stop The Serenity logo.

It has stood us in very good stead for 12 years now but Equality Now has changed their look and we must follow suit. After some discussion, they have given us permission to use their new logo – or part of it – the abstracted equal sign in 2 shades of Blue.

So we need a new logo using the Serenity icon and the Equality Now image.

We will be accepting submissions for the new CSTS design until Sept. 29th. You may submit up to 3 choices.
The Steering Committee will make the final decision.… Read more…

Auction ends Monday afternoon, Pacific Time

  • We’ve told you about the wonderful items in the auction.
  • We’ve emphasized how rare or downright awesome they are.
  • We’ve shown you pictures and demonstrated how they are only a few of the many items we’ve got.
  • We’ve told you about the items signed by Ben Edlund, Felicia Day, Alan Tudyk, Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, Jewel Staite, James Marsters, Sarah Michelle Gellar, James Leary, Emma Caufield, Clark Gregg & Ming Na Wen.
  • Oh yeah, and some guy named Joss Whedon
  • We’ve mentioned the pillow, the jewellry, the Tshirts, the prints. The action figures, the postcards, the buttons.

And now we’ve run out of time. The auction ends tomorrow starting around noon Pacific
if you haven’t checked it out, you owe it to yourself to do so.… Read more…

So much to bid on!

Browncoats are a generous bunch. And so are the companies whom make wonderful things to sell to us.

Take for instance Loot Crate who sent us the Zoe Loot Crate full of exciting things like the Zoe figure, a Serenity Journal, a mystery QBits figure and so much more.

Right at this moment it is still under $30.00. At twice that amount it would still be a steal.

We have a lot of auction items like that – currently going for much less than they are worth. Check them out.

Bid.
Tell your friends and family to bid. Make the world a better place by supporting Equality Now through our auction.

The auction is here.
loot-crateRead more…

eBay Auction Oct.17 – Sunday Oct. 23

Joss Whedon’s influence reaches far. Ben Edlund wrote for Whedon on Firefly and Angel. Now he is finally bringing his own creation, The Tick, to TV. This promotional poster is clearly intended for CSTS. We feel pretty confident is asserting that no one else will have a poster remotely like this!

Clark Gregg aka Agent Phil Coulson is currently staring in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He has signed this picture of Coulson and his beloved car Lola.

And these are just two of the many items that will be up for auction starting Monday Oct. 17. Our great thanks go to the California Browncoats who have once again allowed us to use their eBay account for our auction.

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iosjoz5-imgurRead more…

If you can’t do something smart, do something right

Second in the series of posts on the amazing people planning amazing things for this year’s CSTS season is the Susquehanna Valley Brigade from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Amber and Tim are planning a screening of Serenity and an after party at a local restaurant, with live music, raffles, silent auctions and giveaways.

When asked why they had got involved in CSTS, Amber replied “Tim and I started our own business this year. Inspired by the movie that brought us together in the first place and it’s many great quotes, of course, “If you can’t do something smart, do something right”, we knew the right things was for our company to be able to give back to our community, and to be able to sponsor and donate to local charities.… Read more…

There Was No Stopping the CSTS Signal in 2015!

With the auction closing out the 2015 Can’t Stop the Serenity season in November, it’s hard to believe another year is over. But what a celebration our tenth year has been!

59 events in 45 cities across 7 countries raised over $90,000 for Equality Now and 19 other charities (you can view the full list of donations and charities on the Global Donation Tally page). A Virtual Shindig covered the globe and Sean Faust donated 50% of sales from his song Signal. We had a huge auction with over 50 lots including many rare collectibles and items signed by a variety of Whedonverse favourites.

It may have been one of our most diverse years with Affiliate events that included fundraising raffles in booths at conventions, board game days, a concert, Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog* screenings and a painting class.… Read more…

Auction is almost over!

If you have planned to take a look at what is available in our E-Bay auction, now is the time!

Autographed DVD

Here is the link once again. Remember, all the money raised goes to Equality Now to help women and girls around the world. And we know that when you help them, you help everyone.

At the moment, some items are still remarkably low.

The limited edition blue prints for one.
Some of the poster sets which include the poster of Serenity signed by Joss,
and the extremely rare promotional watch sent out by Fox before Firefly started.

The 2 Star Wars figures are still cheap as well.

And then there is the fun stuff. The replica props, the patches, the Serenity graphic novels, the jewellery. We’ve put together a couple of collections of the kind of items you might have been able to win at a CSTS event.… Read more…

The Auction has started and it is shiny!

Here is where it all is. So many great items, you just might have to bid on all of them.

Something for yourself, something for a loved one or a best friend, something to give to that someone who has everything.

But I bet they don’t have the rare Serenity Blueprints.

Or the Handmade BDH Charm Bracelet.

Take a look, make a bid. All proceeds go to help Equality NowRead more…

Signed photo by 7 of 9 available in Nov. 8th Auction

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Is this not a thing of beauty? This was signed at the 2014 Dallas Comic Con where there was an almost complete reunion of the Firefly crew.

It is only one of more than 40 items in our E-Bay Auction. We’ll be easy to find, just go to http://www.ebay.com/usr/californiabrowncoats although we will also be publicizing the link everywhere once it goes live.

Here is something else we think you might like.

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Beloved Whedon actor Tom Lenk (Buffy, Much Ado, Cabin In the Woods) documents his long (and funny) journey to performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in this documentary, Nerdgasm. And he signed our copy! We’ve paired it with the ultimate Browncoat Documentary, Done the Impossible.

Stay tuned to see what is next up!… Read more…

Star Wars appears in Nov. 8th Auction

Star Wars is coming soon. There will be lots of tie-ins for you to buy but not like this! These 2 Funko figures were available only to those who bought Vans runners/sneakers/running shoes in 2014. Once they were gone, they were gone.

Until now.

Darth Vader and Boba Fett

will be auctioned separately as part of our 10th anniversary E-Bay Auction starting next Sunday, Nov. 8th.

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#52_5Read more…

Great items in the Nov. 8th E-Bay auction

It’s time to tempt you with a couple more items!

We received this gorgeous Stirling silver charm bracelet with a charm for each of our Big Damn Heroes.

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And we have a Inara pack you might want to bid on at the same time. It has a Firefly air freshener and a Stirling Silver Serenity pendant. Any Companion would be proud to wear these pieces of jewellery

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All money raised goes to Equality Now.

Read more…

E-Bay auction starts 8th November

Take a look at some of the wonderful things we have in our upcoming auction which starts the 8th of November.

How about the St. Christopher Medal that Jayne wears in Serenity? It comes in its own case along with a certificate of authenticity and an autographed picture of Adam Baldwin as Jayne.
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Torchwood and Dr. Who make an appearance with signed content from John Barrowman, including a Tshirt, a CD and an signed photo. Another lot is a full size Tardis door cling. Imagine putting it on a closet door. You’d never have to worry about not having enough storage space again!*

tardis_door_cling

We have over 40 lots of great items. Please! Tell the world!

*We cannot guarantee that the door cling will make the space behind into a Tardis.… Read more…

Can’t Stop the Serenity 2015 Event Finale!

The final events of the 2015 Can’t Stop the Serenity season are upon us!

Halifax is hosting the final screening event of the year this Friday night 30th October at Hal-Con. And what an action packed evening it’s going to be! There will be trivia, a silent auction, a special Barrett’s Privateers rendition of the Hero of Canton sing along and an Evil Laugh competition. And not only is Serenity on the big screen there’s also Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog*.

Entry to the event is by donation but as it’s at Hal-Con you’ll need a Friday pass to enter the venue. You can pre-order Can’t Stop the Serenity 10 year tshirts, patches and challenge coins for pick up at the event. Visit their website for ordering details and event schedule.… Read more…

CSTS EBay Auction starts Nov. 8th

Every year we have a great Can’t Stop The Serenity auction on e-Bay but this year, we’ve outdone outselves.
Two weeks from today, November 8th, the auction starts and it runs for only a week.

Thanks to some generous donors we have items that truly celebrate our 10 years of raising money for Equality Now and other charities.

How about a copy of the Collectors edition of Serenity signed by Joss Whedon himself?

Or an extremely rare Firefly Official Promo Digital Watch?

There is a screen used prop from the movie too!

The auction includes rare autographs and collectable items from a couple of fandoms including Star Wars. There is some of the sponsors pack items we sent to each city so even if you weren’t close to an event, you can still have the swag.… Read more…

It’s A Transatlantic Can’t Stop the Serenity Weekend!

There are 3 shiny events this week of all shapes and sizes proving you can turn anything into a Can’t Stop the Serenity event.

It all starts on Wednesday 30th, the official release date of Serenity in North America, where a group of Browncoats in Crest Hill are getting together for a movie night shindig with friends and family. And what could be better than hanging out with loved ones watching your favourite characters and raising money for Equality Now.

On Thursday night, 3rd October, the Alamo Drafthouse in Fort Worth is doing a Serenity Quote Along, an interactive screening with cap guns, ships, tissues and Fruity Oaty Tea cocktails. The North Texas Browncoats will be there with a table selling Can’t Stop the Serenity merchandise and a donation jar for Equality Now so please give generously.… Read more…

It’s A Can’t Stop the Serenity West Coast Weekend!

There are three shiny screening shindigs happening in North America this weekend.

We are so happy to welcome another new city to the Can’t Stop the Serenity fold when Surrey BC hosts its first event at Kwantlen Polytechnic University this Friday night. And what an event it’s shaping up to be! Along with screening Serenity and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog*, there will be music interludes, a silent auction, door prizes, merchandise for sale and refreshments. Some of the shiny up for auction include Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse season one dvd set signed by Felicia Day and Patton Oswald, a “Jay and Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh” poster signed by Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes and Jennifer Schwalbach, and a limited edition Serenity comic signed by none other than the Captain himself, Nathan Fillion.… Read more…

Another City Makes Its Can’t Stop the Serenity Debut This Weekend!

We welcome Newtown, CT to the Can’t Stop the Serenity family when Nerd Night in Newtown hold their first screening event this Sunday!

They will be showing Serenity and Dr Horrible’s Sing Along Blog* at the Edmond Town Hall, doors open at 5.30pm when registration for the Cosplay Contest begins. You’ll want to find your best costume as the winner will be invited to ride on the Newtown Arts Commission Float in the Labor Day Parade. Weapons are not permitted so please leave Vera and her kin at home.

Sean Faust will be making his fourth appearance at an event this year to play some tunes and lead everyone in a sing-along of the Hero of Canton. There will also be raffles and merchandise for sale so make sure you bring bags of cashy money!… Read more…

Something Horrible Is Coming to Albuquerque on Friday.

Albuquerque returns with its second event for 2015 this Friday!

The Albuquerque Browncoats are turning their slot at Bubonicon 47 into a Can’t Stop the Serenity event when they screen Dr Horrible’s Sing Along Blog*. Although a free for convention members, a $2 donation is encouraged as this is a fundraising event. You can find it at 9.30pm on Friday night in the Santa Fe room of the Albuquerque Marriott Uptown.

There will be a raffle, prizes for which include a limited edition QMx Penny Maquette graphic novels and tshirts. Tickets are just $1 each or 6 for $5. A signed copy of Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography is also being auctioned, so make sure to bring plenty of cashy money. All proceeds go to Equality Now.… Read more…

Can’t Stop the Serenity Goes Around the World This Weekend!

It’s a truly international weekend with Can’t Stop the Serenity events across 3 continents.

It all starts this Friday night in Lawrence, KS at the historic Liberty Hall with a screening event. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start, watch Serenity rise again on the big screen and sing along with everyone’s favourite villain Dr Horrible. If you’ve never experienced Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog* at a CSTS event, it is something truly special, a great story with most of the audience singing.

Tickets are just $10 and are available at the Liberty Hall box office in advance or at the door on the night. All proceeds go to Equality Now. For more event news visit the Facebook page.

We then jump to the other side of the world on Saturday where founding city Melbourne, Australia celebrates their 10th year as a Can’t Stop the Serenity city!… Read more…

A Can’t Stop the Serenity Debut this Saturday!

Fairfax, VA joins the Can’t Stop the Serenity family with their first screening event on Saturday.

The event kicks off early at the Cinema Arts Theatre, with doors opening at 9.30am and a brief introduction before Serenity starts at 10am. You’ll want to get there early as this year’s Intro Video is not to be missed!

Make sure to dress in your ‘Verse finery for the costume contest after the movie, a $50 gift card will be awarded to the winner. And make sure you bring some cashy money for the silent auction which will feature some Serenity related items and gift cards donated by local businesses. There will also be some tshirts for sale.

Tickets are $15 and available from De Clieu Coffee, the theatre or online here.… Read more…

Two Cities Celebrate Can’t Stop the Serenity Milestones!

This week we have two big Can’t Stop the Serenity multi-event celebrations on opposite sides of the world!

It all starts this Thursday in Minneapolis at the Riverview Theater with the first of 3 nights of Can’t Stop the Serenity. Minneapolis was part of the first CSTS in 2006 and has held events every year since, making this year extra special as they celebrate 10 years.

The Thursday night will feature a raffle and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog* in addition to Serenity on the big screen. But not to fret if you can’t make the Thursday night event as they will be screening Serenity again both on Friday and Saturday night at 11.30pm. Tickets are cash only at the door and cost $10 for Thursday’s event and only $3 for either the Friday or Saturday screenings.… Read more…

Coast to Coast Across North America!

Three Can’t Stop the Serenity founding cities are holding events this weekend!

First up on Friday the Browncoats of NYC have joined with Equality Now for a CSTS 10th Anniversary celebration screening and dinner at Jing Fong’s! It will be a night not to be missed with a costume contest, dancing, live auction and of course the big damn movie.

Sean Faust, making his second CSTS appearance in a week, will be performing live and leading a Hero of Canton sing along. Entry includes dinner, a door prize ticket, a special thank you and 1 adult drink coupon and is just $35. Get your tickets online here now as they may not be available at the door!

CSTS then breaks atmo in Vancouver at the H.R.… Read more…

My Journey to a Million Dollars with the Browncoats by Mandy Sullivan

Thirteen years ago, I had never heard of Firefly. I had been working at Equality Now for quite some time and, as usual, we were struggling for funding. I got a call one day, from Renee Balmert from something called “the California Browncoats.” She wanted our address in order to mail out a check to us representing proceeds from “ComicCon.” The check was for over $3000, a staggering amount of money from one donor, at least it was in our experience. Apparently Joss Whedon had told them we were his favorite charity and they decided to give all the money to us. We were thrilled and grateful and Renee and I started up a conversation as she explained to me what Firefly was and what the Browncoats were.… Read more…

Can’t Stop The Serenity Raises One Million Dollars For Charity

CSTS is immensely proud to announce that as of the end of the 2014 year, our 9th, we have raised One Million dollars U.S for Equality Now and the other charities our event cities have supported.

One Million Dollars.

It has come in as Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and American dollars. In Pounds and in Euros. Small amounts and large, from big cities and small groups of friends.

We probably can’t measure exactly how much good this money has done, but we can feel it. And we know what we are.
Those of us who have run events, those who have donated time, money or swag, and of course those of us who open up our hearts and our wallets when we show up at a screening or affiliate event.… Read more…