Ford's Theatre Society Charity Drive Raises Over $84,000 for Thrive DC

Ford's Theatre Society announced that a donation drive during performances of A Christmas Carol has raised $84,383.57 for the Washington-based charity Thrive DC. Donations were collected November 20-December 28, 2014. In addition to the curtain call collection, patrons also were encouraged to make donations through the Ford's Theatre Box Office, and members of the Ford's Theatre Society staff donated money to the campaign.

On December 11, members of the cast of A Christmas Carol also volunteered by serving dinner and assisting with the Women's Program for Thrive DC clients. The group also helped organize more than 350 coats which were distributed to 190 people in need the following day.

Since 2009, A Christmas Carol audiences, cast, crew and staff have raised more than $461,500 for local charity, including Covenant House Washington, Martha's Table, Miriam's Kitchen, So Others Might Eat (SOME) and Bread for the City.

"Each year I am inspired by the extraordinary generosity of our patrons and the enthusiasm of the Christmas Carol cast and crew to make this charity drive happen," said Director of Ford's Theatre Paul R. Tetreault. "Supporting the local community through these collections has become one of our favorite Ford's traditions, and I know our audiences have helped secure a happier new year for many low-income and homeless families and individuals served by Thrive DC."

"At a time when other nearby homeless programs are being forced to close, this tremendous support from the Ford's Theatre community will not only help Thrive DC stay open but also expand to fill the gap in emergency services," said Thrive DC's Executive Director Alicia Horton. "The more than 200 homeless and low-income men, women and children who walk through our doors each day will feel the impact of this outpouring of generosity in the form of nutritious meals, hot showers, clean clothes, and access to computers, legal aid, job training, employment support and other specialized support. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Ford's Theatre and the cast, crew, staff and audiences of A Christmas Carol for making such an incredibly impactful donation."

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