FORD’S THEATRE SOCIETY

RAISES MORE THAN $51,000 FOR

BREAD FOR THE CITY

DURING PERFORMANCES OF “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

Washington, D.C. — The Ford’s Theatre Society announced that a donation drive during productions of “A Christmas Carol” has raised $51,671.79 for the Washington-based charity Bread for the City. The drive, initially slated to run December 1-6, was extended through December 30 after the cast collected $11,000 following curtain calls in the first week. In addition to the curtain call collection, patrons also were encouraged to make donations through the Ford’s Theatre Box Office in exchange for $5 off single tickets to “A Christmas Carol” on specific dates. Members of the Ford’s Theatre Society staff also donated money to the campaign.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated by our patrons this holiday season,” said Director of Ford’s Theatre Society Paul Tetreault. “It is a wonderful gift to see the messages of Dickens’s story resonate with audiences, and to see that translate into aid for those in need within the Washington community.”

“I was so moved yesterday by the cast's and staff's extraordinary generosity in support of our efforts to serve the needy during the holidays,” said George A. Jones, Executive Director of Bread for the City. “With this donation, we will be able to provide 1,846 meals to D.C. families.”

Bread for the City provides vulnerable residents of Washington, D.C., with comprehensive services including food, clothing, medical care, legal and social services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Through the efforts of more than 1,500 volunteers and the contribution of thousands of community members, Bread for the City serves more than 10,000 people monthly at no cost to those in need. For more information, visit www.breadforthecity.org

Ford’s Theatre Society

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. From the nationally acclaimed “Big River” to the world premiere of “The Heavens Are Hung In Black,” Ford’s Theatre has begun to make its mark on American theatre. For its accomplishment, the organization was honored in 2008 with the National Medal of Arts. For more information, visit www.fords.org.