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enCouraging The Force with Star Wars
Not so long ago in a movie theater very near, long-time supporters of enCourage Kids – and fans of “Star Wars” – celebrated the release of “The Force Awakens” with several enCourage families.
The movie came out in December 2015, but the story goes back to 1999, when 250 people “got together” in a public space in Manhattan outside the legendary Ziegfeld Theater. For three weeks they waited for tickets for the midnight premiere of the three prequels, creating a sidewalk line party like no other, all while raising money and awareness for our organization.
According to their website, in the late 70s and early 80s, people waited for hours – or even days – to secure opening night tickets at the box office – so many, infact, that they had to put some form of portable traffic barriers out to keep the lines in place. With the advent of telephone and online ticketing services, the notion of ticket lines was fast becoming obsolete. The organizers of NY Line were able to negotiate with the Ziegfeld to obtain tickets for its participants in advance, so the line became more of a symbolic gesture – a chance to celebrate with fellow “Star Wars” fans and to raise nearly $90,000 for charity across the three premieres.
“Each event took months or years of preparation, coordinating, arranging insurance, security, website construction, publicity, artwork, writing, logistics, negotiations, contracts with the theater and property owners, and more, all from a group of about 15 volunteers working in their spare time,” shared David Creighton, one of the original line members.
“From the money raised to the bonds of friendship created, every aspect of being a part of these lines contributed to making them truly three of the most memorable and rewarding experiences in my life.”
With the release of “The Force Awakens” coming 10 years after the previous release, over 100 members of the original line gathered for premieres across NYC.
According to Steve Lorenzo, another original line member, despite not having an organized line and fundraising component, they thought “it would be great if we could continue this tradition of sharing our love of these movies with children and parents who could benefit greatly from a few hours escape in a galaxy far, far away.”
Members pulled together enough funds for 20 tickets plus concessions.
One family was the Priolo’s, whose daughters couldn’t contain their excitement when they received tickets for the Thursday screening at the Regal Battery Park Stadium. “Our twins are officially ‘Star Wars’ geeks,” shared mom Raquel. “Thank you for surprising us with this wonderful family experience. You work hard to give children and families with special needs moments away from their struggles and it is deeply appreciated.”
Families also attended the Friday premiere at the Ziegfeld – home for the previous three lines. It’s now bittersweet that the Ziegfeld is scheduled to close January 28th, 2016.
“In a bit of kismet, the date of the last screening of ‘Star Wars’ on the 28th also happens to occur on my birthday,” posted David. “I’ll be celebrating a personal milestone while saying goodbye with friends and family at the last show.”
