Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma Raises Money for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

During the first run of LYRIC'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, presented by Devon Energy last December, Lyric and its generous patrons raised over $18,000 for Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's mission is "Fighting Hunger...Feeding Hope."  Hope is what inspired Lyric audiences to help the food bank last month.  In Oklahoma, one in four children struggles with hunger every day and Oklahoma is the fifth hungriest state in the nation, where more than 600,000 Oklahomans are unsure about where their next meal will come from.

During the 20 performance run in Lyric's 279 seat Plaza Theatre this past holiday season, Lyric invited patrons attending the show to donate monetarily what they wish to help this important and vital organization.  After each show, actors stood at the theatre doors offering their Victorian wool top hats as a way to accept donations from Lyric's generous patrons on their way out to the Plaza Theatre lobby.

Lyric's patron's raised $18,002.38 for Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, equaling the amount of 90,000 meals for hungry Oklahomans.

"I chose the Regional Food Bank as LYRIC'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL holiday beneficiary this year because their mission is deeply tied to the production's message of helping those in need," says Lyric's Artistic Director, Michael Baron.  "I'm truly thankful for the generous spirit of our audiences and the entire Lyric staff for making this holiday season a better one for those Oklahomans who needlessly face hunger every day."

Before the final performance of LYRIC'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL on December 31, 2011, with the entire cast of the show on stage, Paula Stover, Lyric's Executive Director, and Baron presented Rodney Bivens, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma's Executive Director, a check for the full amount of $18,002.38.

"Lyric's generous patrons helped provide countless Oklahomans with two of life's most basic needs- food and hope," says Bivens. "I can't think of no more meaningful gift. Thank you to Lyric and its patrons."