The good folks at Venturing Out have taken on "The Castle", to perform live on December 8 at the Sorenson Center for the Arts.
Why did I choose to be a backer of this kickstarter project from Massachusetts?
Especially since it had already reached its funding goal, meaning the show would go on?
Well, the theatrical work they are performing was written by four ex-convicts about trying to regain a life in American society, after doing time in New York prisons.
The group which is performing the theatrical work teaches entrepreneurship and business skills to soon-to-be ex-convicts, so they can be self-employed owners of micro-businesses when they leave the prison walls.
The off-Broadway play will be performed at a college which has the #1 MBA program for entrepreneurship in the United States.
All of that is quite impressive, but why did I join in?
My youngest brother is in prison, and has been since 2007. One day in 2020, if not before, he will be released on parole and will need to find employment.
I am concerned about his ability to do so.
This project gives me hope that his future will be brighter than his past.
3 comments:
November 16, 2011
Dear Faustina,
As the founder and chairperson of Venturing Out, I want to personally thank you so much for supporting our production of The Castle this December! It is because of your generosity through Kickstarter that we were able to cover the costs of staging this important benefit performance.
I’m sure you will share in my excitement that we have recruited an incredible cast, including formerly incarcerated people that have their own inspirational stories to tell. We’ve also put together an all-star panel of criminal justice and business experts to discuss barriers to successful reentry and employment for people leaving prison. The stage is set for a fantastic performance!
We hope that as one of our contributors, you will join Venturing Out’s staff, alumni, and other supporters for this special evening. If you cannot attend, please consider donating tickets to enable at-risk youth and Venturing Out alumni to attend this inspirational performance. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.venturingout.org/fundraiser.
Thank you again for supporting Venturing Out and our mission to give the hope of economic self-sufficiency to those returning to their communities after incarceration. We hope you will keep in touch and consider becoming more involved!
Warmly,
Baillie
--
Baillie Aaron
Founder and Board Chair
Venturing Out
http://www.venturingout.org
November 19, 2011:
Baillie,
I am thankful to have been able to help fund this project.
As for the ticket, it was always my intention to DONATE the ticket reward for the use of a deserving local who would appreciate and benefit from the performance. Is there anything I need to do to make that happen?
I do wish I could be there, myself, for the performance. I applaud the efforts of yourself and company.
Faustina
November 20, 2011:
Thank you so much Faustina! I am passing your email on to Laura, our Executive Director, so that we can donate your ticket. We really appreciate your support and kindness in enabling a deserving community member to attend and be inspired by this performance!
Best regards,
Baillie
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