A few very special items will be part of this year’s Global Prize Draw. Entry Forms will be available at all events.

Drawing Dates:

Travel based prizes: 1 September 2009

– Browncoat Ball tickets

– Creation Convention tickets

All other prizes: 2 November 2009

– Serenity glass plate

– Voice acting role for ‘Firefly Between The Lines’

– Dollhouse poster

– KNTR 2-part prize

– Basket of Firefly and Serenity goodies

We have seven fantastic items up for grabs this year:

• A custom made Serenity glass plate signed by Jewel Staite, Gina Torres, Summer Glau and Adam Baldwin, donated by Tami Lankford
• A pair of Gold Weekend Packages to Creation Entertainment’s 3^rd Annual Firefly & Serenity convention this November in Los Angeles, CA, donated by Creation Entertainment.
• A voice acting role for ‘Firefly Between The Lines’, donated by Between the Lines Studios
• A Dollhouse poster signed by Joss Whedon, donated by Buffyfest
• Two part prize donated by The Kids Need to Read Foundation (KNTR) (and an amazing anonymous angel)
• A pair of tickets to Browncoat Ball 2009, donated by the Browncoat Ball 2009 organizers
• A Super Secret Basket of Firefly and Serenity goodies worth over 250 credits, donated by the Austin Browncoats

Joss Whedon is certainly our first real life time sponsor. He has delighted fans since he began writing episodes for “Roseanne” and on beloved movies like “Toy Story.” Since then he’s given us jewels like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” and currently letting us play in the “Dollhouse.” Of course, for us here at CSTS, Joss is THE MAN responsible for giving us the very shiny Firefly and her big damn companion movie, Serenity – the flagship of our Can’t Stop the Serenity efforts.

Joss has continued to interact with his fans and has supported CSTS by signing items for auction, giving us pep talks and nods and kudos the world over. Not only do we credit him for inspiring us to make a difference in the world while letting us learn about Equality Now, he gave us a great gift this year by giving us the rights to show the innovative and amazing Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog, including the permission to make buttons and such to go hand in hand with our screenings. For more information on the horribleness, please go to www.drhorrible.com and the official fansite at: www.doctorhorrible.net.

We here at CSTS thank Joss and the other wonderful people who helped put the good Doctor on his path to joining up with the ELOE, and allowed us along for the ride.

We are delighted to have Quantum Mechanix as a Lifetime Sponsor of Can’t Stop the Serenity.

Quantum Mechanix specializes in the design and manufacture of licensed high-quality replicas of vehicles, props, and other artefacts from television and motion pictures. The Official Serenity Blueprint Reference Pack, The Malcolm Reynolds Stunt Pistol and the Blue Sun Travel Posters are just some of the fine Qm^x products from the ‘Verse, with many more to come! Licensed franchises include Serenity, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Classics of Sci Fi, and Universal Monsters.

In 2009, Qm^x have donated a Serenity Bank Heist Money Pack to each city.

Website: www.quantummechanix.com

Adagio Teas is the most popular tea store online, with fresh tea, cool accessories and plethora of useful information and stellar customer service marks. Adagio Teas began nine years ago with the desire to introduce customers to an array of gourmet hand picked, whole leaf teas and herbals sourced directly from growers around the world. It has been their mission to bring tea lovers in all corners of the United States and Canada fresh seasonal teas with abundant flavor and intoxicating aromas that will delight them daily. Whether you enjoy whimsical blended teas or serious single origin varietals, you will always have many choices at Adagio. Their simple, elegant, durable teaware perfectly compliments their whole leaf teas to assist you in making delicious tea anywhere. Adagio Teas has donated packs of their special Sereniteas line of tea, blended by Elizabeth Nelson and Tanya Laird of the Austin Browncoats.

Website: www.adagio.com

Anne Barringer is the 2009 Global Organiser of Can’t Stop the Senenity. As a passionately dedicated Browncoat and advocate for Equality Now, Anne has given countless hours of her time to help make Can’t Stop the Serenity what it is today. Her “Why We Are Here” articles have inspired likeminded fans to do that something extra and to go the additional mile to help others – those we know and those who are strangers to us. Anne’s contributions to CSTS include covering the website hosting and domain name registration fees.

Austin Browncoats is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization located in Austin, Texas. They started out as a Firefly and Serenity fan group, and would meet every month to watch an episode of Firefly. They’ve held on to that tradition, but have expanded upon their activities. Since their incorporation in July 2007, they’ve raised money for local and global charities, as well as hosted a number of fundraisers. Austin Browncoats are proud to offer up a Super Secret Basket of Firefly and Serenity Goodies worth over 250 credits for the Global Prize Draw.

Website: www.austinbrowncoats.com

Bats in the Belfry Creative Inc. is the home of browncoats Don McMillan and Terry McMillan. Bats is a graphic design company located in Ottawa, Canada and run by this brother and sister team. They specialize in computer animated motion graphics for 2D/3D web and broadcast projects as well as a wide variety of graphic services for print and CD design. As a longtime fan of the series and movie, Don saw the CSTS logo contest as an interesting challenge and a fun way to show his appreciation for the Firefly universe. Little did he realize the logo would become the official artwork of this year’s event. Don has provided all of the graphics for the posters, patches, t-shirts as well as many of the icons and the CSTS poster flash animation. Bats in the Belfry Creative is honored to be a part of this year’s 2009 CSTS for Equality Now.

Website: www.batsinthebelfry.com

Bedlam Bards are a musical duo (and occasional trio) who’s style of “Renfolk Music” is unique blend of Celtic, English, Scandinavian, and American folk music mixed in with period tunes from the Renaissance and Middle Ages that rubs shoulders with the occasional incognito rock song at most Renaissance festivals. Bedlam Bards have generously donated autographed copies of their “On the Drift: Music Inspired by Firefly and Serenity“ CD, a musical homage to the brilliance of film and television writer Joss Whedon. This collection of music was created to echo the shows’ passion, beauty, and humor. As featured by The Signal podcast and the documentary Done the Impossible, this album is the perfect companion for Browncoats everywhere.

Website: www.bedlambards.com

Between the Lines Studios is a production company that produces entertainment, news, fan and original audio programs including the award-winning Buffy Between the Lines audio drama. With a cast and crew of over 300 people, Between the Lines Studios focuses on fan and original works. Between the Lines Studios have donated the unique opportunity to have a voice acting role in their upcoming production, Firefly Between the Lines, an audio drama based on the much loved TV show – Firefly. Firefly Between the Lines will bring new stories to the Firefly/Serenity ‘Verse in 2010.

Website: betweenthelinesstudios.com

The Browncoat Ball has been one of the social highlights of the Browncoat calendar since 2004. In 2009, this amazing shindig will be hosted by the PDX Browncoat in Portland, OR on October, 2-4. This year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best! In the lead up to the main event, activities include a chance to tour Dark Horse Comics and meet Serenity and Buffy comic editors, visiting the ‘End of the Oregon Trail’ to discover life on the rim, discovering how good beer is brewed and learning to dance in the tradition of the core planets. Then it’s time to put on your pinkest ruffles, your hoopiest hoops, and your most rugged tuxes for an evening of elegance! Enjoy fine cuisine and an evening of music and dance as Browncoats from across the verse shindig in the finest fashion. The Browncoat Ball is donating 2 tickets for our Global Prize Draw.

Website: www.browncoatball.com

Buffyfest is a collaboration of 3 writers, artists and activists based in New York, who have created a place to share news and thoughts about the Whedonverse. Original content, exclusive interviews and updates about Joss Whedon shows: Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dr. Horrible & Dollhouse. Buffyfest has donated a Joss Whedon signed Dollhouse poster.

Website: buffyfest.blogspot.com

Creation Entertainment is a leader in conventions for fans of genre television and film. Founded in 1971 and known for inventing the concept of “traveling” fan conventions, Creation has brought its brand of live interactive entertainment events to over three million attendees throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Over 1,000 top sci-fi celebrities: actors, directors, producers and writers have met their fans at Creation produced events. Creation is giving one lucky fan the opportunity to win a pair of Gold Weekend Package tickets for the upcoming Firefly and Serenity convention in Los Angeles.

Website: www.creationent.com

Dark Horse Comics has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. By attracting the top talent in the comics field, Dark Horse continues to change the shape of the industry and grow its brand throughout the world. In conjunction with its sister company Dark Horse Entertainment, Dark Horse has over 350 properties currently represented under the Dark Horse banner, serving as the jumping-off point for comics, books, films, television, electronic games, toys, and collectibles. In 2008, Dark Horse distributes its characters and concepts into more than fifty countries, continuing its mission of content creation and distribution in all of its forms throughout the world. Dark Horse are generously donating copies of Serenity: Better Days, Issue #1.

Website: www.darkhorse.com

Dichen Lachman is best known to global audiences in her role as “Sierra” on Joss Whedon’s television series Dollhouse, and is touted as an actress to watch. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Dichen grew up in Adelaide, Australia before moving to Sydney and Melbourne further her acting career. Her first first major role was on the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours, where she played Katya Kinski from 2005-2007. She has also appeared in the feature films Aquamarine, Aztec Rex and Bled, as well as a number of short films and guest spots in Australia and the United Kingdom. After moving to the US in 2007, Dichen scored the role of Sierra on Dollhouse, a young woman whose personality has been wiped by a mysterious agency. She is supposed to be the perfect “doll”, able to take on any role, but part of her original personality is slowly seeping back. She will be reprising her role in the show’s second season. Dichen has generously donated an autographed photograph to each event location.

Website: www.dichenlachman.com

Done The Impossible: The Fans’ Tale of Firefly & Serenity is available on DVD and CD soundtrack through DoneTheImpossible.com and Amazon.com. Done The Impossible has had the distinction of being an Official Selection at many film festivals around the world. The DVD, hosted by Adam Baldwin with voice-over by Jewel Staite, features interviews with Joss Whedon, the cast, crew, and most important, the fans themselves. The story chronicles the rise, fall, and rebirth of the cult TV show “Firefly” as told from the perspective of the fans who helped save it. Fans share what inspired them to become passionate about Firefly, to help save Firefly, attend shindigs, participate in message boards, donate to charities, and become Serenity extras. The CD soundtrack features seven outstanding artists and crosses multiple genres including Celtic and filk: The Bedlam Bards, Brobdingnagian Bards, Dan Sehane, Emerald Rose, Michelle Dockrey, Rob Kuhlman, and Tony Fabris.

Website: www.donetheimpossible.com

DragonWeave Jewelry offers a unique collection of stylish silver jewelry. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, DragonWeave is run by Nicole Bornak, and features her sister Jillian’s bead bracelet designs. Designs include dragons, gothic and celtic mythology, goddess, angel and animal motifs, Japanese, Chinese and Egyption symbos and striking modern pieces. Nicole and Jillian have also designed Serenity inspired pieces, and are donating brass Serenity pendants. They are always eager to hear your comments and suggestions, feel free to drop them a line and share your opinions and ideas. They will do their best to make DragonWeave Jewelry a rewarding experience for you!

Website: www.dragonweave.com

JLH Jewelry is the creative outlet for Jen Hilton, who creates one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry. Inspiration for many of the pieces comes from history, mythology, nature, literature, and movies. Among the many beautiful and unique items available at JLH Jewely are a range of Serenity inspired pieces, including the Serenity spacepunk bracelet, Saffron’s Brawling Trash necklace (a replica of the necklace worn by Saffron in Firefly) and Kaylee’s Double Happiness earrings. And let’s not forget her fantastic Captain Hammer fimo pendants! Jen has generously donated pairs of the very wonderful Browncoat earrings, featuring Brass pistol and Chinese coin charms which capture the spirit of Firefly and Serenity fans everywhere! Every piece, no matter how simple or small, is made with intense love and fearless creativity. Many people make jewelry – Jen strives to make magic.

Website: www.jlhjewelry.com

The Kids Need to Read Foundation (KNTR) is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity that raises funds to purchase books which are donated to under-funded schools and libraries. The organization was founded by author PJ Haarsma and Serenity actor Nathan Fillion in August 2007. KNTR and an amazing anonymous angel are providing a very special prize for the Global Prize Draw.

• PART I – One lucky winner will receive a $75 loaded visa card to enable the winner to buy shiny new Castle and Dollhouse DVD sets!
• Part II – In addition to the above, the winner will be allowed to help pick the school/library of their choice to receive a donation from KNTR. Said school/library must be located in the US or its territories (We apologize for this restriction, but KNTR is limited by US charity laws.) Additionally, the school/library must be under-funded and fill out the applicable KNTR donation application. If winner is not able to pick a school/library meeting KTNR donation requirements, KTNR will provide a list for the winner to choose one, or as an alternative, will be happy to pick one if the winner would rather have them do so. KNTR’s full donation to said library/school will be made in honor of CSTS and the winner. (approximate value $500 or more)

Website: www.kidsneedtoread.org

The Mid-South Browncoats were born in 2008 to fill a need for Browncoats in and around the Memphis, TN area. Devoted to Equality Now’s cause, they hosted their first Can’t Stop the Serenity event in 2009 – the first ever CSTS event for the State of Tennessee. This year will see them hosting an affiliated event showcasing the awesome Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog. Since CSTS 2008, they have worked to raise money for Kids Need to Read and are providing shirts, patches and hoodies to Joss, his assistants and others who helped make 2009 special this year. They are joining hand in hand with the North Texas Browncoats to provide extra patches, art card sets and poster tubes for each registered organizer. In addition, the two groups have come together to pay for miscellaneous costs for shipping (to and from Joss and other shipping costs) packing materials, and other costs.

SciFiHero.net and its community of sites mission is to: “Provide our members a fun, helpful, and safe online community. One where we can share and promote our mutual love of science fiction, costuming, and prop making with others. They also seek to educate and encourage members to get into costuming and to introduce them to going to conventions and other events in costume to meet other costumed members and Come “Be the Hero” and join SciFiHero.net. The heroes at SciFiHero.net have generously donated fabric Independent patches, so that you too can join the rebel Browncoats.

Website: www.SciFiHero.net

Tami Lankford is an amazingly generous fan. “I want to help with the CSTS this year, but don’t have time to commit to an event. I’d like to help by donating a piece of glass I made last year and had signed at the Creation convention in Burbank in November. The plate is approximately 8 inches square and signed by Jewel Staite, Gina Torres, Summer Glau and Adam Baldwin. People who saw it at the convention seemed to like it so hopefully you can find a way to use it.” Tami’s amazing glasswork will feature in this year’s Global Prize Draw.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the distribution arm of the Twentieth Century Fox film studio, and the folks who brought us Firefly on DVD and Blu-ray. Their many Whedon-verse titles include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel the Series, Firefly and Wonderfalls. Specializing in film and television entertainment for personal viewing, you can find your favorites on DVD and Blu-ray at FoxStore.com. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is donating Firefly and other Whedonverse DVDs.

Website: www.foxstore.com