The Lady Bunch show nets over $130,000 to support juvenile justice programs.
Evanston, IL. May 28, 2014 – At their annual Contributions to the Community Breakfast held today, The Woman’s Club of Evanston announced that its 63rd Annual Spring Benefit Show netted over $130,000. This year’s show beneficiary is the James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that provides legal aid and social services to low-income Evanston youth.
For six nights in March, over one hundred volunteers from The Woman’s Club, along with the Moran Center staff, produced and performed The Lady Bunch, a 70s-themed song and dance variety show. Although this year marks the 63rd anniversary of the Benefit Show and the 125th anniversary of the Club’s founding, the partnership with the Moran Center was innovative and set unprecedented records.
“We were so honored to be selected as the show beneficiary,” said Kathy Lyons, Moran Center Executive Director. “The Woman’s Club generously opened their doors and their hearts to us and rallied behind our mission of supporting and advocating for struggling and disconnected Evanston youth. They hosted our Opening Night benefit and helped us keep expenses to a minimum. It was a truly collaborative effort that was rewarding on so many levels.”
“From their pledge to sell out our opening night performance, to their high visibility onstage, to their close coordination with our sponsorship team, the Moran Center team was truly committed to making the show a great success,” said Jessica Hornsten, Benefit Show Producer. “Our partnership serves as an example of what can be accomplished by devoted and dedicated community members.”
“We are thrilled to announce that net proceeds were over $130,000, far exceeding any anticipated grant amount,” said Kathy Rocklin, President of The Woman’s Club, “We were so inspired by the Moran Center’s dedication to their clients. Even during show rehearsals, they were fielding calls from clients and responding to kids in crises. It feels good to know that the show will support the critical services that the Moran Center provides.”
Proceeds of the show will be used to implement a new violence prevention program targeting Evanston middle school students. “Voices, Ideas & Perspectives” (VIP) is an innovative alternative-to-discipline program that teaches kids effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills while building self-esteem. Additionally, the show’s success will support increased demand for legal services and crisis counseling aimed at keeping kids in school and out of the criminal justice system.
