OSF's 28th Annual Daedalus Project Fundraiser Raises Over $115,700 for HIV/AIDS Organizations

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 28th annual Daedalus Project fundraiser for HIV/AIDS organizations, held August 24, brought in $115,772. The event was produced by Claudia Alick, associate producer, community.

Tickets for the afternoon reading of Paula Vogel's The Baltimore Waltz (directed by Eugene Ma and presented by special arrangement with Vogel and Dramatists Play Service) and the evening variety show (directed by Sara Bruner), along with general donations, raised approximately $60,000. Participants in the ever-popular underwear parade, which occurs during intermission of the variety show, raised $16,843 for the cause. Contributions also came from the Daedalus 5K Run; sales of T-shirts, lemonade, baked goods, concessions; a quilt raffle; an "Arts and Treasures" sale, and sales of Daedalus Pillows and Bears created by members of OSF's Costume Department.

"It was another delightfully successful event," said Executive Director Cynthia Rider. "We thank the company, community and audience members who contributed their time and money to making this event so memorable. We will disburse the funds to various organizations in the near future, and expect to be amazed again at how many lives these grants can affect in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

Each year following the benefit, the Festival distributes the funds to various local, regional, national and international organizations involved in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Since the first Daedalus Project was organized by OSF actor and director James Edmondson in 1988, OSF will have distributed $1.6 million to HIV/AIDS organizations, including this year. In the last 28 years, the Daedalus Project has created a tradition of remembrance, celebration and collective action for OSF's company, community and audience.

The 2016 Daedalus Project will be held on Monday, August 22. Tickets for Daedalus and all 2016 performances will go on sale to the general public December 2015.