ADKS Shakespeare Raising Funds for Summer Arts & Crafts

Although the weather can't seem to make up its mind about what season it is, Adirondack Shakespeare Company is full-swing into summer mode. But they're aiming high at a new change to this year's children's programming: an Arts & Crafts Workshop to pair with this year's original play, Songs of the Iroquois: Turtle Island. A fundraising campaign seeking $1,000 just went live on Adirondack Gives, and the group is looking to raise the full amount before the start of their Summer Festival Season on July 9.

Fundraising began on June 3, and in one day the Company has already raised 59% of their goal. "We're so grateful," says Artistic Director, Tara Bradway. "It's exciting to see this kind of support and that people are clearly passionate about the work we're doing and the creative outlets we're providing to the region." Donations provide supplies for two different crafts (a Native American Wampum Belt and a Turtle Island), enough for 500 belts and 500 turtles, as well as curriculum development.

Once the $1,000 goal is reached, the Company will be aiming for "stretch goals" to provide lunch for volunteers to cut-out and organize 1,000 crafts, purchase additional craft supplies, and advertising to spread the word about these workshops and performances of Songs of the Iroquois throughout the region. "These kinds of fundraising campaigns are so important to performing arts organizations, because less than half of our annual revenue comes from ticket sales," says Bradway. "To produce world-class, fully professional theatre from April to October requires support from the community, from people who want to see this work continue, and who recognize the great potential arts have for the region."

The campaign runs through August 2. 100% of funds received go to support Adirondack Shakespeare Company's children's programming in 2015. Learn more about the campaign and donate to support Arts & Crafts for Adirondack Kids by visiting www.AdirondackGives.org. Find out about ADK Shakespeare's Summer Festival Season at www.adkshakes.org.