Ford's Theatre Society Announces Charity Drive for Martha's Table

The Ford's Theatre Society announced that the cast of the 2012 production of "A Christmas Carol" is partnering with Martha's Table to create a donation drive inspired by the themes of charity in Dickens's holiday classic. During the curtain calls for performances of "A Christmas Carol," the cast will collect monetary donations on behalf of the Washington-based non-profit Martha's Table. Patrons can also make donations through the Ford's Theatre Box Office. All donation checks should be made payable to "Martha's Table." "A Christmas Carol" plays at Ford's Theatre from November 16 through December 30, 2012.

This is the fourth year that Ford's Theatre has partnered with a local non-profit during its run of "A Christmas Carol." In 2011, the cast partnered with Miriam's Kitchen, raising more than $83,000, which helped sustain their work with thousands in the D.C.-area who struggle with hunger and homelessness. The cast of the 2010 production of "A Christmas Carol" raised more than $77,000 for So Others Might Eat (SOME). The 2009 "A Christmas Carol" cast partnered with Bread for the City and raised funds to help the organization provide 1,846 meals for D.C. families.

"We have been overwhelmed in years past by the generosity of our audiences for the welfare of our fellow Washingtonians," said Ford's Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. "We are hopeful that the cast's heartfelt tradition will help make a difference in the lives of thousands in need within the D.C.-area."

"Each night, just a few blocks from Ford's Theatre, Martha's Table serves dinner to hundreds of homeless individuals", explains Michael Bartscherer, President of Martha's Table. "The extraordinary generosity of the entire Ford's Theatre family enables us to feed, clothe and educate thousands of fellow District residents who find themselves in need throughout the year, but particularly during this season."