Pasta Dinner to Benefit Teens Participating in Running to Places Theatre Company

As part of its mission to keep involvement in theatre accessible to everyone, Running to Places Theatre Company is holding a pasta dinner on Saturday, March 19 from 5 – 8pm at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Ithaca.  All profits from the dinner directly reduce the cost of participation for every teen company member, including support of the scholarship fund.  “We are deeply committed to keeping participation in R2P affordable for everyone; we began the fiscal year with a company-wide goal of raising $29,000 through benefit events and in good faith reduced the family obligation we ask of each company member accordingly” explains Co-Artistic Director Gail Belokur.  “We also will use a portion of the proceeds to cover scholarships already awarded to those in need.” Presently, company members are expected to generate a set amount of financial support to the theatre company so that it can reach its goal of having its first balanced budget since its inception in 2007.  “The writing of a check is still not an requirement to participate.  Those who cannot donate their own funds can provide their portion of the required support through fundraising and sweat equity,” explains Co-Artistic Director Joey Steinhagen.

The dinner is a key part of that effort, with company members of all ages and their families involved. Diners have three entrée choices:  spaghetti with red sauce (with or without meat) or penne pasta with a bean and broccoli white sauce. R2P Board of Directors member and parent, Carolyn Koppel, is heading up the cooking of the meal.  “We are thrilled to be featuring the bread of Wide Awake Bakery, which is made by a company member family from Trumansburg. This bread is made with local flour and is simply amazing!” declares Koppel.  The meal will also include salad, beverage, and dessert.  R2P audiences may also be very pleased to have the chance to meet the teens they have come to love on stage and get the chance to know them a bit better while the young artists work the service portion of the benefit.

Tickets are available from all company members through March 15, online at www.runningtoplaces.org, or at the door.  Service will be provided on a rolling basis beginning at 5pm, and take out will also be available.

R2P is a non-profit theatre company involving middle and high school students from across the Tompkins County area, teaching important life skills and strengthening community while creating great theatre. Founded in 2007, they were recently named “Best Community Theatre Company of 2010” by the readers of the Ithaca Times.