BACKSTAGE TO BACKWOODS – 562 MILES FOR THE ARTS A FUNDRAISER FOR THEATRE OF YOUTH In the summer of 2010, Theatre of Youth Head of Design Ken Shaw along with his dog Gracie will thru hike the Finger Lakes Trail from the Catskill Mountains to the New York, Pennsylvania border in Allegany State Park as a fundraiser for Theatre of Youth. KEN’S 50 DAY JOURNEY FOR TOY Ken will begin his adventure on May 15, 2010 and hike 8 to 18 miles a day carrying a 40 pound pack, rain or shine on a trail that is 562 miles long. He will cross rivers, climb mountains, descend into ravines, cross 1 National Forest, four State Parks, 41 State Forests and 3 Wildlife Management Areas.

Additionally, Ken will pump and filter water, cook food on a portable stove, sleep in tents or open front shelters, hang bear bags and build fires and hopefully not get lost in the woods!

Ken will complete the hike in 50 days arriving home on July 4, 2010.

WHY SUPPORT THEATRE OF YOUTH ~ IN KEN’S WORDS:

I have been the Head of Design for Theatre of Youth (TOY) for the past 15 years and I know first hand the important role we play in the lives of children and parents in our community.

TOY is located in the City of Buffalo at the beautifully restored Allendale theatre--a one-of-a-kind historic landmark in Western New York. TOY is the only professional theatre company in Buffalo devoted entirely to young audiences. Through school time performances and weekend public performances, our productions spark the creativity of young people from all crosswalks of our community.

I have chosen to undertake this hike as a personal challenge for myself but more importantly because cultural organizations like Theatre of Youth have been subject to decreases in funding during these difficult economic times. In order for TOY to be accessible to all children, whether with their school or family, financial support is required to keep ticket prices affordable for everyone.

This hike will hopefully generate support for the Theatre as well as awareness for TOY and the Finger Lakes Trail. For me this challenge answers the question: How far I am willing to go to support the arts?

Please make my efforts worthwhile by making a generous tax-deductible donation to Theatre of Youth.

Various giving opportunities are available:

1 Penny per mile x 562 miles = $5.62
1 Nickel per mile x 562 miles = $28.10
1 Dime per mile x 562 miles = $56.20
1 Quarter per mile x 562miles=$131.50
50 cents per mile x 562 miles =$281.00
1 Dollar per mile x 562 miles =$562.00
Or any contribution you wish to make!

Please note that none of the funds raised will be used to defray the expense of the hike. Every dollar donated will go directly to benefit Theatre of Youth! Thank you in advance for your support!

Donate Online Enter an Amount Penny a mile Nickel a mile Dime a mile Quarter a mile Half Dollar a mile One Dollar a mile

Contributions can also be made to this fundraiser for TOY by:

Sending a check or money order (payable to Theatre of Youth) to:
BACKSTAGE TO BACKWOODS
Theatre of Youth
203 Allen Street
Buffalo, NY 14201

OR, calling 716.884.4400 x 304 to make a donation with VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER.