Whidbey Children's Theater Thanks Jim Porter For His Support

"'Thirty years. Thousands of Kids. Millions of memories.' That's how Whidbey Children's Theater tags its media. And it's the truth.

For over thirty years, WCT has been a home away from home for thousands of children who have found the program a place that offers a beloved combination of creative experimentation with support and trust; a place where kids come to be kids, and make lasting friendships and discover and develop their unique selves. Many parents have called this "a life-saving program," and all the children who have participated in the last 9 1/2 years under the roof of the Porter Building on Anthes Street in Langley had tears in their eyes as they watched the stage be struck and boxes fill with the accouterment of years of theater: feathers, taffeta, antenna, turbans, face paints, glitter, and chalk.

Chalk. You should see the backdrop of the Porter Building stage. It's like a yearbook, signed lovingly and beautifully in chalk by the various actors who came and enjoyed WCT's closing production of Wizard of Oz - and the impromptu SlapHappy concert that followed.

The room rattled and hummed with laughter, music, and tears - of all kinds.

While WCT is excited about the opportunity to become more financially sustainable in its new location at the LMS, and welcomes the new program development that will include more children, we cannot leave the Porter Building without feelings of sadness and real appreciation.

For nine and a half years the Porter family has been host to our family and while it was a relationship managed by business necessity, there were times it required the same kind of trust, flexibility and love that any true family dynamic demands. As a non-profit with a determined and focused mission, WCT had occasion over the years to call on that special family dynamic and Jim Porter showed that he was more than "just a landlord." He was a generous and understanding benefactor; someone who demonstrated a true commitment to the kids who loved our program and the community in which we live.

Our opportunities for growth and development today are due, in no small part, to the generosity of Jim Porter and his family. He will always be one of our heroes.

From the bottom of our hearts, the Board and staff of Whidbey Children's Theater would like to extend our deepest appreciation and heart-felt thanks to Jim and the Porter family.

In honor of their commitment to our program and the children of this community, Whidbey Children's Theater is honored to dedicate our new lobby to the Porter Family. We look forward to unveiling the Porter Family Lobby at our opening production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow this coming November - we hope to see you there!

For the kids,

Cait Cassee
Executive Director
Whidbey Children's Theater"

Founded in 1981, Whidbey Children's Theater is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children by creating opportunities for them to discover, experience, and participate in the performing arts. The 2013-14 season includes The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Middle & High School), Disney's 101 Dalmatians (Elementary School), Disney's Little Mermaid (5th-12th grade), and Shrek (Multi-age).

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