PULLMAN The WSU 2009 benefit production of “The Vagina Monologues” raised a record-breaking $10,101 to be donated to local and national organizations working to end violence against women and girls.
The benefit production raised twice as much as last year and more than ever earned in a previous year. A grand total of $50,000 has been raised through the seven years that V-DAY WSU has been producing the benefit play.
“This year was so successful for us in many different ways,” said director Brenna Fullner. “Not only did we have one of the most dedicated production teams, but our cast worked hard to give the audience their best each night. It’s going to be hard to top this year but I know that The Vagina Monologues at WSU will continue to expand and reach out even further in the years to come,” Fullner said.
V-DAY WSU, a registered WSU student organization, participates in the college campaign of the national VDAY organization. The national organization raises funds to end violence against women and girls through benefit productions of the world renowned play. This year, V-DAY WSU will donate approximately $8,500 of funds raised to Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse and $1,500 to the spotlight group chosen by the national organization, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“The great thing about this fundraiser is that the women themselves get to choose where the money is donated,” said Health Advocate advisor Cathy Bergley. “VDAY, the national organization mandates that we give at least ten percent to the national spotlight, but the rest of the money is donated to local, direct services. Many WSU students, faculty and staff use ATVP and their numerous resources and ATVP helps not only Whitman county, but Latah county as well. It is a great organization that deserves our support.”
V-DAY WSU is a part of the Health Advocates group, which is supported by WSU Health and Wellness Services. The Health Advocates group recently won the Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award for promoting the wellbeing and health of WSU students and the community.
For more information about the 2009 WSU benefit productions of “The Vagina Monologues” or V-Day WSU, please contact Nichole Olson at 335-7472 or vdaywsu@wsu.edu.
