June 5, 2002
Volunteers needed for Jimmy Fund/Variety
Children's Charity Theatre Collections Program
Movie-goers to Contribute a Cool $1.75 Million to Jimmy Fund
BOSTON — Movie enthusiasts have a unique (and air conditioned) opportunity to raise money for the Jimmy Fund/Variety Children's Charity Theatre Collections Program by volunteering to pass collection canisters immediately prior to feature films at local theatres from June 21 through July 28. The theatres will show a Jimmy Fund "trailer" that is based on a true story of the unique friendship that developed between pediatric cancer patients being treated at the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and workers from Boston Iron Workers Union Local 7.
Volunteers are provided with a T-shirt and official Jimmy Fund canisters as well as movie passes. The trailer portrays the way Dana-Farber Cancer Institute research is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families; and it makes the connection between DFCI and the local community. Moviegoers are pleased to be able to team up in the fight against cancer "on the spot" and volunteers are crucial to the success of the program.
Since 1949, volunteers have collected bills and change from generous moviegoers following the playing of a Jimmy Fund appeal trailer. The program is supported by American Movie Cinemas, Hoyts Cinemas, Loew's Cineplex Theatres, and National Amusements Theatres throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
"The Theatre Collections Program is the Jimmy Fund's longest-running fundraiser," said Mike Andrews, chairman of the Jimmy Fund. "It's the dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who have made it successful and who have helped the Jimmy Fund to raise the chances of survival for those facing cancer around the world." Last year, moviegoers contributed more than $1.3 million to the Jimmy Fund. This year, the goal is to raise $1.75 million.
For more information about how to volunteer, call Brett Salmonson at (617) 632-6616, e-mail brett_salmonson@dfci.harvard.edu.
