"It's that time of year again!  Due to the huge success of last years performance...my daughter, Chelsea, is directing and organizing a 2010 benefit production of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" in Bucks County, PA.  This year’s cast is fabulous, and there are other new additions that create a must-see event.  I am honored to support Cheslea in organizing this moving, yet funny, play which is the cornerstone of the V-day global campaign. 

If you attended last year, you’ll want to put this on your schedule right away.  If you missed last year’s performance, this is your chance to make a difference in the world.  Start contacting your friends to make this an event that you will proudly talk about having attended.  Get your tickets now.

I would love to see you at the performance.  If not, please consider a donation. 

When:                   7:30 pm April 30th and 3:00 pm May 1st
Where:                 Westaby Hall, 425 Hood Blvd, Fairless Hills, PA
Donations:           $10 & $14 for advance tickets. $16 at the door.
Tickets/Info:        Chelsea at vday@samo.com (215.431.9285)
                              or DrJill@Samo.com (609.538.0111 x2)

Below are the details of the event followed by information on how your donation will help stop violence locally and around the world.

WHAT V-DAY IS ALL ABOUT
(FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DIDN’T ATTEND LAST YEAR AND DO NOT KNOW)

This incredible organization (created by Eve Ensler) is a global movement to raise consciousness and funds to end violence (rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation, and sexual slavery) against women and girls so they can live freely and safely.
 
"The Vagina Monologues" is comprised of a variety of monologues based on interviews with woman from around the world. Each empowering monologue somehow relates to the vagina, be it through sex, love, rape, birth, or orgasm and is often a story familiar to many women. The monologues cover subjects ranging from humorous ones about tampons and gynecological exams to heartrending ones about abuse and rape.

This play is performed worldwide with the goal of educating communities about the violence which occurs against women and girls. This play, which broaches topics that are often taboo, breaks the silence and encourages people to finally discuss issues such as abuse and rape. Silence hides violence…you can help break the silence and end the violence

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Imagine if you could help stop the violence with a couple hours of your time. Maybe you can also help someone else gain the satisfaction of doing the same. Every year, a growing number of people do just that; they help stop the violence by attending a local production of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues (often with a significant other and/or friends). Most attendees are emotionally touched, moved, and inspired… so much so that many attend year after year. Will you attend this year’s performance? (Advanced tickets are recommended and discounted.) If not, will you make a donation?

HOW YOUR ATTENDANCE AND/OR DONATIONS HELP

The proceeds from these performances are donated to programs and charitable organizations that work to end violence against women and girls. This is your opportunity to help!

Each year, V-Day chooses an area of the world facing critical levels of violence against women to donate most of the profits. The 2010 V-day Spotlight Campaign is the woman and girls of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the DRC, there is still a war going on which began in 1996. 5.4 million people have been killed in the deadliest conflict since World War II. Millions have been displaced. Congolese women and girls have bore the brunt of this vicious war with over 300 thousand raped and tortured. Ten percent of the proceeds from every performance around the entire world are donated to help the Congo.

Remainder of Proceeds Donated to Local Charities Including:

The Robert James Leonard Foundation

Their mission is to award Fellowships to young adults in the Bucks County foster care system, who despite dysfunctional and often disastrous backgrounds, have performed well academically, have given back to the community, and are committed to continuing their education and pursuing a career they love. Fellowships will provide a “Hug,” to their recipients, consisting of various financial and non-financial resources to ensure that they graduate from college.

Exciting additions this year!

There will be a silent auction of exquisite Vagina friendly art.

We now accept credit cards for payment of tickets, art or donations.

For more information on The Vagina Monologues and "V-DAY, A Global Movement to End Violence against Women and Girls", please visit www.Vday.org.

If you cannot attend a performance and would like to make a donation, please make your check out to our sponsor (or contact me regarding credit card donations).

Donating/paying by check? Checks are to be made out to our sponsor, The Robert James Leonard Foundation/TVM, and mailed to Vday, 1186 Colts Lane, Yardley, PA 19067.

Donating/paying by credit card? Please contact us.

We want to touch as many people as possible. If you know someone or a group that might benefit from this performance but lack the funds, please contact us.

Please forward this e-mail to anyone that you think might be interested.

For advanced ticket sales please contact Chelsea or me.

Hope to see you there!

With Gratitude,
Jill"