Arlington, Va.
Media Contact: Johnny Hunter or Stephanie Leasure organizers@csts.novabrowncoats.net

Local Sci-fi Fans Hold Sixth Annual Charity Screening

Local fans of Joss Whedon, creator of the science fiction shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, and writer/director of the movie Serenity, are holding the sixth annual Can't Stop the Serenity (CSTS) charity screening on Friday June 24th and Saturday June 25th at the Arlington Cinema and Draft House, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia. CSTS is a global charity event, raising money for Whedon's favorite charity, Equality Now, an organization that supports the rights of women and girls throughout the world. Fans of the show and movie, known as Browncoats, gather to watch Serenity and raise money for Equality Now and other worthwhile causes.

The Northern Virginia Browncoats, who organize the local annual event, also raise funds for charities which are in the spirit of Whedon's causes, including Kids Need to Read and Tahirih Justice Center. The event is also supporting two local charities So Others Might Eat (SOME), and Homeward Trails, an animal rescue organization. Fans attending the screening are asked to donate the following items for these groups: ground coffee, cold cereals, dog food, cat food, toys, treats, collars and leashes. When you donate an item you will be given one raffle ticket in thanks. You can earn up to two raffle tickets with inkind donations.

Additional events for the NoVa/DC screenings include Whedon trivia Friday night, and a costume contest on Saturday. Another Whedon production Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, will be shown on Saturday as well. Items promoting CSTS are available for pre-order at http://csts.novabrowncoats.net/2011/store.html . All proceeds will go to the events charities.

For more information about the Arlington CSTS screening, visit http://csts.novabrowncoats.net/. Tickets will be available for purchase at http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/.

Additional Resources:
• Equality Now: http://www.equalitynow.org/
• Kids Need to Read: http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/
• Tahirih Justice Center: http://www.tahirih.org/
• SOME: http://www.some.org/
• Homeward Trails: http://www.homewardtrails.org/
• Northern Virginia Browncoats: http://www.meetup.com/NoVA-Browncoats/

Friday Jun 24, 9:15pm or Saturday June 25, 1pm.
Arlington Cinema and Draft House, 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, Virginia

I love that you're taking in-kind donations for so many good charities. For the last two years, we've collected food for the Oregon Food Bank. I think I'll look into other PDX charities that could use in-kind donations. (BTW, you make a great Robin Hood, Johnny!)

I'm thinking maybe he is Little John, myself.

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Global Steering Committee 2016 -2018
Global Team - 2011 to 2015
Event Organizer - Toronto 2006 - 2010

Knock 'em dead, luvs.

So Johnny, I think we've been patient long enough. How did your 2 day event go?

_________________

Global Steering Committee 2016 -2018
Global Team - 2011 to 2015
Event Organizer - Toronto 2006 - 2010

I want to thank everyone that came out to the 2011 Can't Stop the Serenity event this last weekend in Arlington. This was our 6th year and it was an awesomely shiny year!

Friday nights show was late, not starting till almost 11pm, but it was a nearly sold out show at 263 people! Lots of good times, Browncoats meeting other Browncoats, great door prizes and raffle prizes, silent auction and a trivia contest.

On Saturday we had a very special musical guest, Marian Call and the house certainly rocked out to her awesome vocals and accompanying typewriter percussion. We had a good turnout of 11 people in our costume contest and people loved participating in Dr Horrible's Sing Along Blog! Oh, and we sold out that day!!

I don't have the Drafthouse totals yet ($), but I am ball-parking our total donations to our charities at $4500!!!

Thanks to all the came and all that helped out, you are all MIGHTY!

Pics can be found on our Facebook page:

Did a pregnant woman come as Kaylee 7 months after Serenity?? That is hilarious! The whole thing looks like it was a lot of fun. and kudos on the money earned. Good show!

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Global Steering Committee 2016 -2018
Global Team - 2011 to 2015
Event Organizer - Toronto 2006 - 2010

Congratulations! Wonderful pictures! Looks like everyone had a great time!