Omaze Donation

The Green Room has received an amazing Christmas present which, after being embargoed for several weeks, I am delighted to be able to announce in this message.

We have received a £12,500 donation from Omaze, an entertainment company with a social purpose, following its recent house draw in the area.

Right to Left:  David Reynolds, Caitlin Bahrey-Neumark, Esther McVey and Paul Lewis.

There was a total of £25,000 available for local charities, and the Green Room was selected to share that with Lymm Sanctuary Hub, which provides wide-ranging community support for people with dementia, parents and carers of children with special educational needs, particularly ADHD and autism; and older vulnerable residents.We were awarded the donation to help continue to advance education in all parts of the community through dramatic plays, encouraging local people to experience the benefits of performance arts.

The award comes after several discussions with Omaze, and we intend to use the £12,500 to launch and support a new youth drama group in its first year. We want to offer young people the chance to explore performance in a non-musical setting. We will also look to use some funds towards upgrading the reception and communal areas so the theatre can host more local groups, possibly installing air conditioning in the main auditorium to improve the audience experience, and strengthening links with nearby schools to provide theatre access for children who might otherwise be unable to afford transport or city-centre tickets.

Along with all of the Executive Committee, I am committed to getting a youth
group up and running as part of the Green Room and not as an external group
using our facilities. We know this will be difficult and may take some time, but we want to give young people the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the theatre: acting, lights, sound, stage management, set design and build, theatre management etc. This is something that some of the other local youth drama groups are not able to offer. We have a fantastic facility which can encourage young people to grow their confidence, skills in all sorts of areas, and teamwork, which will help them open doors in any future careers they may choose.

We are very grateful to Esther McVey MP, Member of Parliament for Tatton, who introduced the Green Room to Omaze, and to Omaze for choosing the Green Room to share this donation. Here are some extracts from the official press release:

Omaze said: “Omaze has a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the
communities where its Grand Prize houses are located – in addition to the main
donation for its House Draw charity partners – and is “delighted” to be supporting these two very worthy local causes.”

Esther McVey MP, Member of Parliament for Tatton, said: “I am delighted that once again Omaze is giving money to excellent charities in our area. I know the money will be gratefully received and will be put to good use to benefit so many people … the money going to the Green Room Theatre, Wilmslow will fund a new youth drama group as well as upgrading some of its facilities. I look forward to visiting and hearing all about it.”

Paul Lewis, Chairman of the Green Room said: “I have heard of Omaze’s work with charities and even bought tickets. I was absolutely thrilled to hear that Omaze would make a donation to our theatre. It will help us to get our plans for more community involvement in place, including helping local children experience the wonders of live theatre.”

Sue Johnston, Actor and Patron, of the Green Room said: “I’m delighted that
Omaze has provided a fantastic donation for our theatre. I know the theatre will use it positively to help the community, and especially young people, experience the thrill of live theatre.”

Caitlin Bahrey-Neumark, Omaze, said: “Everyone at Omaze is absolutely delighted we have been able to make a contribution to these two fantastic charities. … I was honoured to visit the Green Room Theatre, Wilmslow to meet representatives from both charities and hear about the incredible people who are providing such vital community services. … Omaze will continue to help more local causes in the areas where we host our house draws, wherever possible.”

I’m sure you will be as delighted as the executive to receive this news.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR!

Paul

chairman@greenroomwilmslow.org.uk