February 26, 2012

Dear members and supporters,

Established in 1938, Hilo Community Players’ 74 years have been full and exciting. We have filled many different venues in Hilo, including the old Mamo Theater, the East Hawaii Cultural Center, and Kalakaua Park. We’ve taken our shows on the road as well, playing in Pahoa and Waimea.

We have produced too many plays to name here, but our Annual Shakespeare in the Park is worth mentioning. This year, it is 35 years old and is the oldest theatrical tradition in the state! We have produced every major play written by Shakespeare, and this accomplishment is nothing to sneeze at. We should all feel proud of it.

It began with a dream of Hilo’s own Professor Jackie Pualani Johnson and Mr. Paul Mark Clark. Many people participated in that first production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and many are still around. Sadly, we’ve lost members over the long history of the organization because people move and pass away.

At our last Annual General Meeting, I was pleased to announce that the Shakespeare in the Park for the summer of 2012 will be Richard III directed by one of the tradition’s founders, Professor Jackie Pualani Johnson. I am assisting Prof. Johnson as managing producer.

Running a nonprofit organization takes a lot of volunteers, which we have a great number of thankfully, but it also takes money. I would like to ask you to consider a tax deductible donation to the Players. We have not sent out any type of letter soliciting funds for more than two years, and we promise not to do so more than twice a year.

The levels at which individuals and couples may purchase memberships are as follows:

Stagehand: $25 to $99

Star: $100 to $249

Patron: $250 to $499

Producer: $500 to $999

Legend: $1000 and up

Your generous donation is greatly appreciated. Please, mail it to P.O. Box 46, Hilo, HI 96721. You may email me at jakemcpherson@gmail.com with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jake McPherson

President

The Hilo Community Players are participating in the Paradise Yellow Pages phonebook fundraiser. HCP has participated for the last 2 years by delivering telephone books in the Hilo area. This fundraiser happens over a 2-3 week period in February. If you can help out by delivering books please contact Susie at susie@hilocommunityplayers.org.

Members for our Board of Directors

Qualifications are minimal. We’re looking for people who are enthusiastic about the mission of Hilo Community Players. Board members should be members of HCP. They are expected to attend just one meeting a month – usually a Monday evening – and to occasionally help out with HCP productions.

You’ll help support a worthy cause, and it won’t cost you a nickel.

For information, call Susie Yong at 895-7850. You’ll be glad you did!