Area Arts Community Raising Money for One of Their Own
The Oxford Film Festival, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, and Theatre Oxford present a table reading of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol
When members of the Oxford Film Festival, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC), and Theatre Oxford learned a fellow member was in need, the groups sprang into action in a joint fundraising effort perfect for the holiday season. Arts community supporter and fellow board member of Theatre Oxford, Kayleigh Graham, has been steadfastly battling an ongoing illness while continuing to excel in her work with all three organizations. However, medical bills are piling up. Enter stage left the aforementioned groups.
In an effort to help with medical costs, the arts organizations will host a table reading of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol at Tallahatchie Gourmet on Saturday, December 16 at 7 pm. YAC president Wayne Andrews will be playing Ebenezer Scrooge, while the rest of the cast will be comprised of Theatre Oxford veterans and other community members. The group hopes to surpass the $3,000 goal on a fundraising website set up to support Kayleigh by holding a silent auction and raffle during the performance.
They are seeing an outpouring of support from area businesses and restaurants, receiving donations of over $1500 in goods and services so far. Items include $25-$50 gift cards to restaurants like the Lost Pizza Company, Chicken Salad Chick, Tarasque Cucina, B.T.C. Grocery, Volta, Mugshots, and Chick-fil-a, to name a few. Businesses ranging from Steven Rose Jewelers and Oxford Floral to Studio Whimzy and Oxford Chiropractic have also contributed gift certificates ranging from $70 to $140 with new donations coming in daily. Local artist Andi Bedsworth is also contributing an original work for the auction.
The community is invited to come out to the table reading and silent auction/raffle at Tallahatchie Gourmet for dinner and a show. Tallahatchie Gourmet will provide food and drinks at cost and, although the show is free, donations or the purchase of raffle tickets are encouraged. Online contributions can also be made via the Generosity website at www.generosity.com/medical-fun
