Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 2013 Daedalus Project Raises $133,300

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 2013 fundraiser, held August 19 for AIDS/HIV organizations, raised a record-breaking $133,300, exceeding last year's record by almost $18,000. The totals may change somewhat as later additions or expenses are accounted for, but it is clear that the event shattered previous totals.

Tickets to the concert reading of Falsettoland, the evening variety show and donations raised $59,500; the Arts & Treasures sale generated $26,900; the Underwear Parade raised an astonishing $17,400; donations through the Wings of Daedalus campaign were $10,600; the inaugural Daedalus Film Festival, produced in partnership with the Ashland Independent Film Festival and Coming Attractions Theatres, raised $2,900; the 5K Run brought in $2,100; and various sales of baked goods, lemonade, T-shirts, other items and the Daedalus Quilt raffle brought in the additional money.

The Festival will distribute the funds to various local, regional, national and international organizations involved in the battle against HIV and AIDS.

"This was my first Daedalus event," said Executive Director Cynthia Rider, "and it was amazing. I thank all the company, community and audience members who created a day of extraordinary compassion, joy and remembrance. We will disburse the funds to various organizations in the near future and expect to be amazed again at the benefits that these grants can make in the fight against AIDS/HIV."

OSF artistic associate James Edmondson had the original idea for an AIDS/HIV fundraiser 26 years ago. The late OSF Artistic Director Emeritus Jerry Turner named the event The Daedalus Project after the story of Daedalus from Greek mythology. Daedalus and his son, Icarus, were imprisoned in a labyrinth by King Minos, and by crafting wings from wax and feathers, Daedalus created a way out of the maze.

The 2014 Daedalus Project will be held on Monday, August 18.