“Train to Broadway” promises an evening full of impact and entertainment
Published on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 8:00 a.m
- Shannon Reising (right, foreground), owner of Le Moulin Rouge de Danse, guides the performers through their dance moves and brings the revue “Train to Broadway” to life. (Photo courtesy of Alternative Stage)
By Ellen Brabo, for Washington Daily News
As the Open Door Community Center celebrates its fifth anniversary in January 2024, the organization is preparing for its annual “Train to Broadway” fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will take place November 4th from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center and promises an evening of dinner, theater and a stately silent auction. With a ticket price of $75 per person, attendees will not only enjoy a wonderful evening; They contribute to a future in which homelessness is only a temporary situation and not a way of life.
“Our goal this year is to net a net profit of $30,000,” shared Doreen Trottier, Open Door fundraising and outreach chair. “This ensures we can keep our doors open, power on and maintain our facility.”
This year’s fundraiser is made possible through the collaboration of 26 sponsors, contributing to a night of community, compassion and change. More than 75 silent auction items will be offered that evening, with a total retail value of approximately $15,000. Notable items include a scenic Washington to Belhaven lunch cruise, a cocktail table crafted by a local carpenter, a new bicycle donated by Innerbanks Outfitters, and a gas grill from Lowe’s.
“Over 100 companies have come together to donate items to Open Door, it’s just amazing,” emphasized Trottier.
Presented by Alternative Stage and Le Moulin Rouge de Danse, the upcoming musical revue follows a resilient vaudeville troupe on the verge of being evicted by an unscrupulous new owner who wants to turn the venue into a burlesque house. Determined to achieve their dreams despite the challenges, the cast is focused on reaching Broadway. The show promises a captivating mix of comedy, dance, singing, romance and lavish costumes, offering audiences a captivating and varied theatrical experience.
As a Washington resident and dedicated table sponsor of the upcoming fundraiser, Stacy Sumner Jesso underscored the critical importance of financial support in fulfilling Open Door’s mission, particularly the urgent need for expanded programs and resources.
“To expand their mission and vision, they need financial support from you and me,” Jesso said. “Open Door wants to expand its programs and make room for more women and children.”
In response to valuable feedback from last year’s participants, Trottier implemented strategic changes to improve this year’s event. These improvements include the introduction of food stations to make gatherings easier and a deliberate reduction in the number of available tickets to create a more spacious and pleasant atmosphere for everyone.
“We all know that there are homeless people and everyone needs a helping hand,” Trottier said. “There are a hundred different reasons to be homeless. We just ask people to open their hearts.”
Open Door provides immediate relief and long-term solutions to women and children experiencing homelessness in Beaufort County, North Carolina. They provide tailored support and equip residents with the life skills and resources they need for stable housing and a self-sufficient future. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Open Door Community Center website at www.odccwashington.org.