Vancouver Charity Screening of "Serenity"

Saturday's Schedule

2009-06-24T01:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the scheduled program for CSTS Vancouver 2009:

11:00 Doors open
11:25 Introductory remarks
11:30 Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Sing-along
12:15 Evil Laugh Contest
12:30 Firefly Trivia Bingo
1:15 Door prizes - short break
1:30 Commentary! The Musical Sing-along
2:15 Costume Contest
2:45 Break
3:00 Silent Auction ends; doors close
Joss Whedon's Equality Now speech
3:15 Super Secret Special Introduction
3:30 SERENITY
5:30 Silent Auction winning bidders; thank yous, closing remarks

Do You Like to Read?

2009-06-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Spider Robinson wrote a book called "Variable Star" as a completion of a draft by Robert A. Heinlein, requested by Heinlein's widow. Spider has signed and donated a hard cover copy of the book for our auction.

For more reading pleasure, you can bid on two tickets to VCON 34, Vancouver's annual science fiction, fantasy and gaming convention, along with a book from the guest author, Tanya Huff. If you don't recognise her name, you may recognise the name of the TV show made from one of her book series, "Blood Ties". The series, as was the first set of books, was set in Toronto, but was filmed in Vancouver after the pilot! You can see Tanya Huff live at VCON, October 2-4th at the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown. Check out their website for updated information.

Devil's Daughter, a new novel by Amber Benson (Tara, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) has been donated by Robert from Happy Bats Cinema.

And The Comic Shop has donated two Buffy comic trade paperbacks for our auction: "The Long Way Home" and "The Time of Your Life".

The Donations Just Keep on Coming!

2009-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Joss Whedon, in addition to giving us permission and paying all the rights so every city could show Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, has signed one of the small North American Serenity promotional posters for each city. Wouldn't you like to have that framed on your wall?

Or the 24" x 36" poster for this year's CSTS events, with most of the cities - including Vancouver, of course - listed. Only five will be available for bidding.

Greg Edmonson, composer of the music for Firefly, has always been generous to the fans. He has once again donated a signed CD of the soundtrack to the Vancouver event.

One of our own BC Browncoats, originator of the BIFF sci-fi group that meets on the North Shore on Friday nights, has donated a t-shirt, some Reaver bumper stickers and this wonderfully twisted mouse pad!

These will all be available at the Silent Auction so bring lots of cashy-money for the cause - and take home a great addition to your Whedonite collection. :D

It's Jayne, more Kaylee & a Serenity RPG Book!

2009-06-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

The autographed Adam Baldwin photo was donated by BC Browncoat member, Higlet; Jewel donated her pictures, of course; the picture of Stargate:SG1 recurring cast member David Palffy was donated by UBC Science Fiction & Fantasy Club; and the Serenity RPG book has been donated by Starlit Citadel. This book is so beautiful even if you have never participated in a Role-Playing Game - or ever intend to - you'll want to add this to your Serenity collection.

2009-06-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

Some of the shiny autographed pictures that Jewel Staite sent us for our Silent Auction.

Shiny Auction Items!

2009-06-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

On top of screening Serenity, singing along to Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (and the Commentary), playing Firefly Trivia Bingo - and a costume contest - we have some great items for the Silent Auction.

Complete dinner for four, prepared by John from La Fontana, either at La Fontana, or ready for pickup. Meal choices to be determined by winner in consultation with John.

TWO gift certificates for introductory 8-session course on sword fighting from Academie Duello.

A three-day, two-night stay at the Marriott Whistler Residence Inn in Whistler, donated by Kim Manser.

Smallville autographed script

Jayne's hat tea cosy, designed and knit by Serena

A Jayne's hat Christmas tree ornament, also by Serena, of course!

Reaver Action Figure, donated by The Comic Shop

Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club (soccer) tickets, donated by Alan

Keep watching this space and buy your tickets soon for a chance to bid on these items and more, plus win prizes!

Why We Do This Every Year!

2009-05-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

The organisers of the charity screenings in the global event that is Can't Stop The Serenity (CSTS) are obviously fans of Joss Whedon and his works, especially the TV series Firefly and the subsequent movie, Serenity. But more than that, most of us are passionate about the work done by the charity that was originally chosen as the main beneficiary for the screenings, Equality Now. EN was chosen because it is Joss's favourite charity (one of his mother's former students was the co-founder) and because it strives to eliminate violence and discrimination of women and children throughout the world. If you haven't seen Joss's speech as he was presented with EN's Man on the Front Lines award in 2006 (which we show every year), watch it now.

So many of us are on limited budgets, especially these days, and can't afford to give as much as we would like to help end so-called honour killings - and now 'honour suicides' - human trafficking, female genital mutilation and domestic violence. By working for successful fundraising efforts such as this, we can do a small part to end these enormous problems. And the bonus is: we get to watch our favourite Big Damn Movie on a big screen once again, with the added pleasure of watching it with others who enjoy it as much - or maybe have never seen it before! See the CSTS promo clip on YouTube.

This year's Global Organiser, Anne Berringer, is writing a series of thoughtful articles on Fridays about why we do this. Here is the first one and here is last Friday's. Be sure to check out the rest of them and consider attending your local event - or having one of your own (see the CSTS forum for getting started) - or even donating to an event near you, if you can't attend.

In Vancouver, CSTS will be on Saturday, June 27th from 11 am to 6 pm, at the HR MacMillan Space Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street. Twenty percent of the net proceeds will be going to the BC Women's Hospital, with the other 80% to Equality Now. Join us for a Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog sing-along, silent auction, games, door prizes, goodie bags and more, plus Serenity on a big screen. Volunteers are always welcome. You can contact me at serenityscreeningvancouver at yahoo dot ca.

Don't forget the deadline for ordering and paying for T-shirts, postcards and patches is midnight, May 13th. Items bought through this blog, including tickets, can be picked up at the door. The T-shirts will have the 2009 winning design on the front and a list of participating cities on the back.

CSTS VANCOUVER 2009 - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

2009-04-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

We have a venue, date and time, so ticket sales can begin!

Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Auditorium, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2009

Time: 11 am to 6 pm

Not only will we be showing Serenity, but Joss has given permission for all the CSTS 2009 cities to show Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog - and we'll be singing along!

Dress up as your favourite Firefly/Serenity character - or anyone from the Joss verse - and you could win a prize. Silent Auction already has a few exciting items: an eight-week introductory course from Academie Duello, a meal prepared by John from La Fontana Caffe, a signed script from Smallville, a mousepad autographed by Jewel Staite with more to come. The Silent Auction is cash only.

Tickets are $15 each, available through the PayPal button below ($1 service charge will be added), from Happy Bats Cinema (cash only, please), 2830 Main Street (near 12th Avenue), or from a member of the organising team at any of the upcoming shindigs. Tickets bought through this website will be available for pickup at the door.

Join us for a day of fun activities, including games, singing, and much more, plus The Big Damn Movie, of course! We have door prizes, goodie bags and more! Keep checking back for updates.

T-shirts are available for pre-order. Payment through PayPal buttons below or in person must be made by May 13th. Check out this year's design by an Ottawa Browncoat. T-shirts can be picked up at the door on the day of the screening.

The Can't Stop The Serenity (CSTS) global movement is for the benefit of Equality Now, Joss Whedon's favourite charity, which works to end violence and discrimination against women and children throughout the world. Last year we pledged to donate 10% of the net proceeds to the BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, which we did, to the tune of $300. This year, we will be donating 20% to BC Women's. So come out and support local and global charities and have a great time doing so.

Thanks to our generous donors and sponsors, especially Row Three, which continues as our largest donor. If you like movies, check out rowthree. com for up-to-date reviews and discussions.

We're Ready - Are You?

2008-06-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

Auction items are ready to go, prizes are primed, contest questions and quotes are waiting for answers. Online ticket sales will end at midnight tonight (June 21st) but there will be tickets at the door. Bring lots of cashy-money for the auction or just to donate (there's an ATM in the building), your knowledge of Firefly & Serenity, your costume - if you have one - and be prepared to have an exciting, fun time!

Traffic note: The Scotiabank marathon will be closing some streets and part of the Burrard Bridge up until about 10:30 am and Broadway between Macdonald and Blenheim will be closed for Greek Days from 11 am to 5 pm. Why not take transit?

Look what Jewel signed for us!

2008-06-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

A Kaylee mouse pad! Too pretty to use.

Serenity: Better Days comics

This is a binder given to the actors and has all the Serenity trading cards in it, including the "Women of Serenity"!

2008-06-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

To help you find your way by bus or car to UBC and the theatre in SUB, Colleen has done a great map. Click on the map and zoom for a larger size and to print.

ELEVEN REASONS TO ATTEND THE SCREENING!

2008-06-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

11. Jewel's 'for our eyes only' video.

10. We have a super-secret introduction to the movie!

9. Costume contest with great prizes!

8. Trivia contest with great prizes!

7. Door prizes that you don't have to do anything for except show up!

6. Sing-along filking with Cindy Turner, aka Shaddyr!

5. The world premiere of a new song by local Browncoat Brandon Klassen!

4. Silent auction with items signed by the cast of Smallville, James Marsters (Spike) and Jewel, among other things! (Cashy money only, please.)

3. Joss's Equality Now speech!

2. You will be supporting Equality Now and the BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre!

And the Number 1 reason to come to the charity screening:

1. To see Serenity on a big screen with a roomful of Browncoats!

Now doesn't that sound like a great way to spend the day? Tickets are still available through the PayPal button at the bottom of the page, and will be until 5 pm Saturday, and at Happy Bats Cinema until closing Friday night. Tickets will also be available at the door - cash only. See you there!

More Shiny Auction Items! - Do You Have Your Tickets Yet?

2008-06-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Alliance Money pack - and ours is signed by Jewel!

Even if you never play a game, you'll want this beautiful hardcover book, with loads of pictures and information not found elsewhere. (Donated by Starlit Citadel.)

Some of our Shiny Auction Items!!

2008-06-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Smallville Season 6 DVD set, signed by cast members.

And five separate comics (donated by Elfsar Comics) signed by "Spike" himself, James Marsters.

2008-06-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Although Jewel Staite will not be appearing in person, she is taping a Q & A for us that we will show before the movie. She sends her regrets that an unexpected business-related commitment will have her in another part of the world at the time of the screening. Jewel is signing some items for the Silent Auction as well, including a parasol, the Serenity: Better Days comic with Kaylee on the cover and some posters.

Stay tuned for more auction item announcements. Don't forget to bring lots of cash for the Silent Auction.

2008-05-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our generous sponsor, RowThree.com. If you like movies, you'll love this site.

Please check out these local donors:

Elfsar Comics has donated several "Spike" comics which have been signed by James Marsters for our Silent Auction as well as a Serenity ornament for a door prize.

Happy Bats Cinema has donated a T-shirt and a Done the Impossible DVD.

Starlit Citadel has donated the Serenity RPG book for the Silent Auction and a game for a door prize.

Carol's Costume Corner has donated a basket of wigs and other costume necessities for the costume contest.

Videomatica has donated a gift certificate for one month's free rental by mail and free publicity through their giveaway contests.

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre has donated four adult passes.

Serena Reynolds has donated a handmade Jayne's hat.

Chad Erickson has donated a Serenity calendar.

Global Sponsors (one prize for each city doing a CSTS screening this year) include:

Done The Impossible - the Done The Impossible CD Soundtrack

Quantum Mechanix (QMx) - a pack of Serenity Bank Heist Money

Dragonweave - a Serenity Kanji necklace

ReadMyChest.com - a special coupon for Custom Art

Joss Whedon Fan Club - a special membership package, which includes bumper sticker and a 'verse-themed T-shirt

Dark Horse Comics - Serenity: Better Days comics

The Bedlam Bards - Autographed On The Drift CD

NBC Universal - a Serenity Collector's Edition DVD

76th Battalion - the Browncoat Essential Kit, including keychain, magnet, earrings, patch, coffee mug, tote bag and more.

Prizes have also been donated one for the entire event, so there will be draws in each city and the winners will then go into an overall draw. These prizes are:

- a minisode voice talent role on Buffy Between the Lines;

- 2 full-event tickets to the Browncoat Ball donated by the hosts, Austin Browncoats. Winner is responsible for transportation, room and board.

- 2 gold Weekend Passes to the Salute to Firefly and Serenity convention donated by Creation Entertainment. Winner is responsible for transportation, room and board.

Winners must be present.

2008-05-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that Jewel Staite (Kaylee, of course!) has accepted our invitation to do a half-hour Q & A before the movie. She will also be autographing some items for the silent auction.

Items for the silent auction will include: Smallville Season 6 DVD set, signed by cast members; a Smallville Season 7 script, signed by cast members, "Spike" comics (donated by Elfsar Comics & Toys) signed by James Marsters.

Film Confirmed! Tickets on Sale Now!

2008-04-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

Tickets are now on sale for the Vancouver 2008 CSTS Serenity screening!

DATE: Sunday, June 22, 2008

TIME: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (doors open at 11)

LOCATION: The Norm Theatre, in the Student Union Building,
6138 Student Union Blvd, UBC (University of British Columbia)

PRICE: $15.00 per ticket

Tickets can be purchased with PayPal using the "Add to Cart" button at the bottom of this page or from members of the BC Browncoats. An additional $1 service charge will be added to each ticket purchased on PayPal to cover the fees. We are pleased that Happy Bats Cinema, 198 East 15th Avenue (just west of Main Street) will also be selling tickets after Saturday, May 3rd. Tickets purchased through PayPal will be at the "Will Call" table at the event, under the name of the person who purchased the tickets.

The "Add to Cart" button can also be used to order this year's screening T-shirt, as pictured on the left. Price is $22.00, including the PayPal service charge. The back will have a list of all the participating cities. Please note, the shirt is as pictured on the models, not as in the poster.

T-shirts must be ordered and paid for by Thursday, May 14th and may be picked up at the event on the 22nd.

The charity screening is a global fundraising event for Equality Now, Joss Whedon's favourite charity. This year, Vancouver is also raising money for BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre. Ten percent of our net proceeds will be donated to BC Women's to help women and children throughout the province.

Join us for a day of fun activities including a costume contest, sing-along filking led by local filker Cindy Turner, a Silent Auction, door prizes throughout the day, and much more. The Norm Theatre has 397 new seats and we aim to fill them all. The concession stand will be open until 2:45, when the main event - the screening of Serenity - will commence. We ask that you patronise the concession stand for popcorn, drinks and candy, but feel free to 'brown bag' it or bring in outside food during the day.

Prizes in the costume contest will be presented to the best two costumes from the Firefly/Serenity 'verse, as well as the best two costumes from the wider Joss-verse.

A list of prizes will be added shortly. Stay tuned for updates.

2008 Charity Screening to be held on Sunday, June 22nd.

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In 2007 we had a wonderful event which was even more successful than we hoped. Thanks to getting an earlier start, selling tickets at the Buffy Sing-Along event on June 2nd, Happy Bats selling tickets for us, and especially the announcement that Jewel was going to be on hand to introduce the movie, we had sold all 210 tickets several days before the event. We had our first ever sponsor, Mad About Movies, and almost $200 in donations on the day.

Not only did Jewel introduce the movie, she pulled the names for the door prizes and handed them out, then after the movie, she stayed outside the theatre for an hour, talking to everyone who was there, autographing items people brought to her, and posing for pictures. She was gracious and patient, as was her husband Matt, and everybody was very pleased to have spent time with her.

We doubled the amount of money we were able to send to Equality Now, to $2,600 (helped by the rise in the Canadian dollar!) and everyone seemed to have a good time.

In 2008, we expect to have more activities surrounding the movie, including a silent auction. Details of the time, place and donations will be posted shortly. In the meantime, make sure you mark Sunday, June 22, 2008 on the calendar for a fun-filled day.

WE'RE SOLD OUT!!

2007-06-19T22:21:00.001-07:00

Thank you very much to all who have bought tickets for the charity screening. We have now sold out the theatre and can prepare for an afternoon of fun and excitement!

Costumes are welcome - and there are prizes for the best male and female costumes.

See you there!

LESS THAN 20 TICKETS LEFT!

2007-06-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

We have less than 20 tickets left for the screening! If you don't have your ticket yet, I suggest you buy it now, as we may be sold out by tomorrow.

Our thanks to our sponsor, MadAboutMovies.net. Check out up-to-date movie reviews of current blockbusters and the seldom-heard-of. If the movie has been made, MadAboutMovies.net has probably seen it.

Special Guest!

2007-06-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've just heard from Jewel Staite (aka Kaylee) that she would be pleased to be our special guest at the screening and introduce the movie, as well as draw the names for the door prizes. Our special event just got even better!!

Only Two Weeks Left! Get Your Tickets Now!

2007-06-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tickets are $15 and are available from members of the Organising Team, through the PayPal button at the bottom of the page ($1 service charge added) and now from Happy Bats Cinema, 198 East 15th Avenue (at Main). Thank you, Happy Bats! We're aiming for a sellout this year, so that we have a generous donation to Equality Now!

Again this year we have some wonderful door prizes, including:

a $25 gift certificate from Videomatica;

a Trade Paperback of the Serenity comics, Those Left Behind, courtesy of The Comic Shop;

2 Done The Impossible DVDs and 2 T-shirts from Happy Bats Cinema ;

a DVD of the "Making of the Women of Sci-Fi Calendar" from Slacktwaddle.

Global Sponsors and their donations include:

Universal Home Entertainment: A voucher for the "Serenity: Special Edition" DVD, coming in late summer;
Dark Horse Comics: a copy of "Serenity: Those Left Behind" Trade Paperback and a mini-poster promoting the comic;
BenBella Books: a copy of "Finding Serenity" (essays on "Firefly"), autographed by Jane Espenson and a voucher for "Serenity Found", being released in September;
Things From Another World (TFAW): the Buffy Season 8 Comic #1, written by Joss Whedon, Variant cover;
Quantum Mechanix: "Fan Club Edition" Serenity Alliance Money Pack;
Done the Impossible: the Done The Impossible DVD;
Bedlam Bards: autographed CD;
Dragonweave: "Serenity" kanji jewellery;
ReadMyChest.com: buttons and stickers.

Special thanks to Adam at Black Market Beagles who designed this year's logo and T-shirt.

In addition, everyone who attends the screening will be able to put their name in a draw for a chance to win two tickets on the Browncoat Cruise, December 1, 2007. The winner of the draw in each city will be eligible for the overall draw for two tickets. Winner is responsible for transportation to and from San Diego.

There will be five jam-packed prize packages this year, each one including an item autographed by Joss Whedon, a Serenity-related T-shirt, a TPB of the Serenity comic, a DVD and other surprises. Buy your ticket now for a chance at these fabulous prize packs. Canada Safeway has also contributed to the goodie bags.

T-Shirts For Sale!

2007-05-10T00:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the flyer that Chad put together from lexigeek's winning design. This design is also featured on the front of this year's T-shirts, with a list of the cities involved on the back.

The T-shirts are $20 each, size S to 3XL, with all proceeds going to Equality Now, and are available for prepaid orders only until May 14th. Just click on the second button below. (There is a $2 service charge to cover the PayPal fees.) Payment and orders can also be made in person from a member of the organising team.

Again this year we have some wonderful door prizes, including a $25 gift certificate from Videomatica. We have a number of donations from global sponsors - they have given one item to each of the cities involved this year.

Global Sponsors and their donations include:

Universal Home Entertainment: A voucher for the "Serenity: Special Edition" DVD, coming in late summer;
Dark Horse Comics: a copy of "Serenity: Those Left Behind" Trade Paperback and a mini-poster promoting the comic;
BenBella Books: a copy of "Finding Serenity" (essays on "Firefly"), autographed by Jane Espenson and a voucher for "Serenity Found", being released in September;
Things From Another World (TFAW): the Buffy Season 8 Comic #1, written by Joss Whedon, Variant cover;
Quantum Mechanix: "Fan Club Edition" Serenity Alliance Money Pack;
Black Market Beagles: a poster, either "Miranda" or "Serenity Crew";
Done the Impossible: the Done The Impossible DVD;
Bedlam Bards: autographed CD;
Dragonweave: "Serenity" kanji jewellery;
ReadMyChest.com: buttons and stickers.

In addition, everyone who attends the screening will be able to put their name in a draw for a chance to win two tickets on the Browncoat Cruise, December 1, 2007. The winner of the draw in each city will be eligible for the overall draw for two tickets. Winner is responsible for transportation to and from San Diego.

WE HAVE A GO FOR THE SCREENING!

2007-03-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

We're a go for the charity screening!

We have a date: Saturday, June 23rd;

a time: 1 - 5 pm, with doors opening at 1:45;

a theatre: Pacific Cinematheque;

and a film: "Serenity".

This will be the second annual Serenity Now/Equality Now charity screening. Last year, 47 cities in five countries raised more than $69,000 for Joss's favourite charity, Equality Now, an organization that works to end violence and discrimination against women throughout the world.

This year 50 cities in 10 countries have expressed an interest in taking part and we're hoping to raise $100,000.

So get out your Jayne's hat, tune up your voice and tell all your friends! Dust off your lending set of "Firefly" DVDs. (You don't have a lending set, you say, then invite your friends over to watch it with you.) We want a sellout (210). If you haven't seen "Serenity" on the big screen, you're in for a treat - especially when you see it with a couple of hundred other fans.

We have door prizes! And we're working on a few other things. If you're willing to help out in any way - putting up posters, donating money, time or prizes, please contact me at serenityscreeningvancouver@yahoo.ca. We're looking for sponsors as well as donors. Sponsors & donors will be named, in the handout at the theatre, and in a presentation at the theatre (PowerPoint or other). The more money we get from sponsors, the more money we can give to Equality Now!

Tickets are on sale from members of the Organizing Committee, starting tomorrow, and from the through PayPal here - just click on the "add to cart" icon at the bottom of the page.

Tickets are $13 up to May 31st, $15 after May 31st. There will be a $1 service charge added to the tickets bought through PayPal to cover the cost of the transaction.

We have a lot of work to do between now and June 23rd to sell tickets and get the word out, but we are going to have a great time!