“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
– Dr. Suess
Summer arrives with gratitude and celebration as we begin Phase 1 of the Manor Church building project. Each donation given from people who care “a whole awful lot” has helped make this project a reality. The first work party was a success with the help of our amazing volunteers – visit our website to learn more and sign up for future work parties.
We are thrilled to introduce two new board members! Sean Hays, recently retired from his role as a payroll and tax compliance program manager, brings valuable financial and operational expertise and is excited to be part of the team. Kimberly Larrabee is honored to serve on the board and help cultivate a space where students feel seen, valued, and encouraged as they grow in confidence both on and off stage.
The highly anticipated announcement of our 26-27 youth shows was made at the Improv Studio Showcase this month. You can review the line-up and other details on our website under the Shows tab. If you’re looking for summer camps, there are a few spots left for enrollment! For late summer plans, get your tickets for “Into the Woods,” performing July 31-Aug 8.
SPOTLIGHT
This month we’re putting the spotlight on one of our board members whose term ends in the fall. Elvin Yuen has been a valuable board member since 2020 and we are grateful for his dedication to our mission.
You came to Journey Theater first as a parent, cheering on your kids from the audience. What brought you from the seats to the board table?
This was back in 2020, and Journey had sent out a flyer to all the families talking about all the great things that had been going on with the program. I emailed Stephen with a question, we met up for coffee, one thing led to another and he ended up asking if I would be interested in serving on the board. Seeing as how much Journey had benefited my girls, I was happy to give back.
For many of our families, the board and grants work happen quietly in the background. After six years on the inside, what about Journey Theater still genuinely impresses you?
From the beginning of watching shows ten years ago all the way until now, I am still amazed at the performances that our kids and the artistic team are able to produce after only eight weeks of rehearsals. I think every show turns out amazing, especially given how little time they have to practice. It shows how much talent our kids have, all the prep work that the artistic teams do, and reflects on how much hard work everyone puts in.
Your work on the grants committee has been a tremendous gift to Journey Theater. Is there a particular grant, partnership, or milestone that you’re especially proud of helping bring to fruition?
As people probably have heard, we recently received a $75,000 grant that is going to go towards construction at Manor Church. This is a competitive grant and we weren’t sure we would receive funding, especially knowing that there are so many other organizations out there in need. The timing for this grant couldn’t have been more perfect. This is because as everyone in Journey knows, we are doing a fundraising push in order to have enough funds to start construction. Even with all the Journey community’s amazing generosity, the Board said we still needed an additional bump in funding for us to break ground. When Stephen called me saying we got the grant, it was an answer to prayer and let us begin construction in June like we had hoped for.
When you think back on these years – the meetings and countless hours of behind-the-scenes dedication – what has this organization given you in return?
I think my answer is similar to many Journey parents who volunteer and invest many hours, sometimes literally doing stuff behind the scenes. I’ve been able to get to know and make friendships with other folks who also believe in investing into the next generation. This has been a bonus that I didn’t expect!