Pasta Dinner to Benefit Teens Participating in R2P

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release March 7, 2010
Contact: Gail Belokur, Co-Artistic Director, 607-216-8750, gail@runningtoplaces.org

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Ithaca, NY: As part of its mission to keep involvement in theatre accessible to everyone, Running to Places Theatre Company is holding a pasta dinner on Saturday, March 19 from 5 – 8pm at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Ithaca. All profits from the dinner directly reduce the cost of participation for every teen company member, including support of the scholarship fund. “We are deeply committed to keeping participation in R2P affordable for everyone; we began the fiscal year with a company-wide goal of raising $29,000 through benefit events and in good faith reduced the family obligation we ask of each company member accordingly” explains Co-Artistic Director Gail Belokur. “We also will use a portion of the proceeds to cover scholarships already awarded to those in need.” Presently, company members are expected to generate a set amount of financial support to the theatre company so that it can reach its goal of having its first balanced budget since its inception in 2007. “The writing of a check is still not an requirement to participate. Those who cannot donate their own funds can provide their portion of the required support through fundraising and sweat equity,” explains Co-Artistic Director Joey Steinhagen.

The dinner is a key part of that effort, with company members of all ages and their families involved. Diners have three entrée choices: spaghetti with red sauce (with or without meat) or penne pasta with a bean and broccoli white sauce. R2P Board of Directors member and parent, Carolyn Koppel, is heading up the cooking of the meal. “We are thrilled to be featuring the bread of Wide Awake Bakery, which is made by a company member family from Trumansburg. This bread is made with local flour and is simply amazing!” declares Koppel. The meal will also include salad, beverage, and dessert. R2P audiences may also be very pleased to have the chance to meet the teens they have come to love on stage and get the chance to know them a bit better while the young artists work the service portion of the benefit.
Tickets are available the door. Service will be provided on a rolling basis beginning at 5pm, and take out will also be available.
R2P is a non-profit theatre company involving middle and high school students from across the Tompkins County area, teaching important life skills and strengthening community while creating great theatre. Founded in 2007, they were recently named “Best Community Theatre Company of 2010” by the readers of the Ithaca Times.

Moore Tree Farm Fundraiser!

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Come kick off the holiday season with some fresh evergreens (trees, garland, wreaths, kissing balls) and pony rides!
(Red Jacket Ponies, Saturday only 11:00am-2:00pm)

While there, enjoy some treats at the Food Hut with 100% profits going to support the participants of R2P!

Moore’s Tree Farm
575 Auburn Rd (Rt 34), Groton (directions)
November 27 and 28
11:30am – 4:30pm

A new look for a new season!

Hope you like the new look for the website! We're kicking off the 2011 Season with some new threads around here. (New pixels?) Speaking of the new season, be sure to subscribe if you haven't already. It's the best deal of the season.

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R2P2 Tap Dance and Stage Combat Workshops

We're pleased to announce two new workshop series coming up soon:

Intro to Tap Dance for Musical Theatre & Friday Night Fight Night With Nick! Explore new skills or improve your existing abilities – and get ready for new challenges in the 2011 Season! Info and registration can be found
here.

Questions? Email
r2p2@runningtoplaces.org.

Announcing the 2011 Season!

We're delighted to announce our new season of shows – and locations! We can't wait to be back at the State four times this season, and to help break in the newly renovated, gorgeous, upgraded, winterized, year-round Hangar Theatre! If you want to see all 6 shows for the best discount of the year, Subscribe Now!

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Show #1 TBA*
January 14-16
@ State Theatre of Ithaca
Exclusive Sponsor: CSP Management
*Our previously announced show for this slot is no longer available at this time. Stay tuned for an exciting classic that we soon will be able to announce to take its place!

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
February 25-27
@ Hangar Theatre
Exclusive Sponsor: Inn on Columbia

Spring Showcase
April 15-17
@ Hangar Theatre
Sponsor: Bel Canto Farm

Romeo & Juliet
May 20-22
@ State Theatre of Ithaca
Sponsors: Viva La Femme, Shakespeare in the Basement

Thoroughly Modern Millie
July 29-31
@ State Theatre of Ithaca
Exclusive Sponsor: Purity Ice Cream

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
August 26-28
@ State Theatre of Ithaca
Sponsor: Overhead Door Company of Cortland

(A few slots remain for Sponsors – if you'd like to learn more about how your business could join us as a Sponsor, click here!)

Exclusive Sponsor for Wind in the Willows: Inn on Columbia!

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We are delighted to announce that the Inn on Columbia is our newest sponsor -- they are joining us as the Exclusive Sponsor for The Wind in the Willows (Sept 10-12 @ CSMA)! The Inn on Columbia is a gorgeous bed & breakfast with several distinctive and unique spaces. Owners-Operators-Architects-Gourmet Chefs Ken & Madeline Young will take good care of you as you are pampered in this secluded hideaway right on Ithaca's south hill. I speak from experience - it's where Erica & I spent our wedding night and first anniversary, and it's where we have recommended many friends go when they ask for the best B&B in the area. We are so thrilled to have their support for WW!

BREAKING NEWS re: Bottle Drive

Announcing: Our first official bottle drive!

When: Saturday, August 7 from 10am - 2pm
Where: Caroline Farmers Market (In the Old Fire Hall: 522 Valley Rd. Brooktondale, NY -
directions)
Contact to Volunteer: Pam Palmer: plpalmer@twcny.rr.com
Notes: We need volunteers to hand out flyers in the area the week prior, as well as drivers and sorters the day of the event. Company members are encouraged to volunteer and also perform!

Fundraiser #2: Dining to Donate event at Applebees

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Do you eat? Do you like R2P? We have the perfect event for you!

Monday, August 2, go to the Applebees on Triphammer Road (just outside the mall - directions here) and bring this voucher. 10% of the cost of your meal will automatically be donated to R2P! What could be easier!?

Dining to Donate event at Applebees
Monday, August 2, 11am-Close


FUNDRAISER #1: Bottle Drive

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It is simple and low-tech, and it is very effective. It's a good old fashioned bottle drive. At least one nearby school brings in a couple of thousand dollars by the end of their annual drive. Let's do that, too!

Here's what you need to know:

When: Hold one in your area anytime between now and August 15th


How it works:
1. If you would like to organize or help with a bottle drive in your town, neighborhood, place of business or another specified area please email fundraising@runningtoplaces.org and indicate the area to be covered.

2. We will follow up with specific details on who else in your area is working on one, if anyone.

3. Hold the drive your area anytime between now and August 15, using flyers and bags we will provide. We will also help you communicate with R2P families in your area to get help.

4. Everyone holding a drive will consolidate their bottles at an Ithaca location and meet to sort them on Monday, August 16 from 5 – 8pm. We have a vendor coming to get them all and take them to a redemption center; this vendor will send R2P the profits check.

5. We will collect hours worked by everyone and calculate the credit from the total profit that your family has “earned” for R2P.

Challenge Grant Success and A New Goal!

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Two anonymous donors stepped forward with a combined donation of $8000 – that needed to be matched!

And thanks to people like you, WE DID IT!

We stand at $8803 in new donations!

Our overall fundraising goal of $32,000 for the season is now in sight. With the success of the Challenge and other donations, we stand at $21,048. Will you
help us get the rest of the way?