Ford's Theatre Raises $77,00 for Local Charity with Help of Audiences

Ford's Theatre Society announced that a donation drive during performances of "A Christmas Carol" has raised $77,413.42 for the local charity Covenant House Washington. Donations were collected November 21-December 23, 2013. In addition to the curtain call collection, patrons also were encouraged to make donations through the Ford's Theatre Box Office, and members of the Ford's Theatre Society staff donated money to the campaign.

"I am deeply grateful for our audience's generosity this holiday season," said Director of Ford's Theatre Society Paul R. Tetreault. "This tremendous outpouring of goodwill will help Covenant House Washington provide critical resources for hundreds of youth struggling with abuse and homelessness within Washington."

This is the fifth year that Ford's Theatre has partnered with a local non-profit during its run of "A Christmas Carol." Including this year's campaign, the cast and crew has raised more than $375,000 for local charities over the last five years, including Covenant House Washington, Martha's Table, Miriam's Kitchen, So Others Might Eat (SOME) and Bread for the City, to help sustain their work with thousands in the D.C.-area who struggle with hunger and homelessness.

"We are elated that Ford's Theatre partnered with Covenant House Washington (CHW) for their annual nonprofit donation from 'A Christmas Carol.' Last year alone CHW provided over 40,000 meals to young people, housing and sanctuary to over 400 homeless youth, as well as education, employment, and support services to hundreds," stated Dr. Madye Henson, President and CEO of Covenant House Washington. "This generous contribution from Ford's Theatre, its patrons and staff provides significant support and needed resources to continue and expand this work in the region."

Since 1995, Covenant House Washington has been a lifeline to more than 30,000 youth within greater Washington. Covenant House Washington is the D.C. affiliate of Covenant House International, the nation's largest privately funded nonprofit organization responding to the needs of young people who suffer from homelessness, abuse and neglect. Covenant House Washington's goal is to serve fragile young people who are disconnected, abused or homeless with absolute respect and unconditional love and to provide support to needed to help stabilize their lives. To find out more, visit www.covenanthousedc.org.

Since reopening in 1968, more than a hundred years after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theatre has celebrated Lincoln's legacy and explored the American experience through theatre and education. Under the leadership of Director Paul R. Tetreault, Ford's Theatre has been recognized for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed "Big River" to the world premieres of "Meet John Doe," "The Heavens Are Hung In Black," "LiberTy Smith" and "Necessary Sacrifices," Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape. For its accomplishments, the organization was honored in 2008 with the National Medal of Arts. For more information, visit www.fords.org.

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