Curtains Up: Macy’s Brings Back “Yes, Virginia the Musical,” Offering $100,000 in Grants for School Productions
June 11 2014 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Beginning today, schools nationwide can apply
to receive a $1,000 grant to stage the holiday musical as part of
Macy’s “Believe” campaign
Today, Macy’s announces the return of “Yes, Virginia The
Musical” for the 2014 holiday season. Now in its third year, the
school program is part of Macy’s annual holiday “Believe” campaign,
inspiring elementary and middle schools nationwide to perform the
original production of “Yes, Virginia The Musical” in their local
communities. To continue the tradition and support art in schools,
Macy’s will provide the royalty-free script and score, and also
$1,000 grants to 100 eligible schools, on a first-come basis. Now
through July 31, interested schools can apply for a $1,000 grant
via yesvirginiamusical.com. In addition, to help guide all schools
and bring the magic to the stage, a comprehensive digital toolkit
will be available at yesvirginiamusical.com, complete with an
interactive script, helpful videos and production reference
materials.
Since the program launched in 2012, teachers, students and
families across the country have embraced the story of “Yes,
Virginia The Musical,” resulting in heartwarming local productions
throughout the holiday season. More than 2,500 schools and
organizations have downloaded the free toolkit since the program’s
inception, and grants have helped schools purchase costumes and set
materials, as well as sound and lighting equipment for the
performances.
“The magical performances from ‘Yes, Virginia The Musical’ have
been a highlight the last two holiday seasons,” said Martine
Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer. “We are inspired by the
enthusiastic response from schools across the country and the
creative young talent who bring the story of Virginia O’Hanlon to
life. This year, we are proud to again offer the program
royalty-free and with 100 grants for $1,000 each, to support
another season of amazing performances.”
The original production was inspired by the true story of
eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon who wrote a letter to the “New
York Sun” newspaper in 1897 to inquire about the existence of Santa
Claus. An editor from The Sun responded with a poignant essay that
became one of the most famous newspaper editorials of all time and
served as the inspiration for Macy’s “Believe” campaign. Through
the campaign, which supports Make-A-Wish, Macy’s collects letters
to Santa at Believe stations in-store, and for each letter Macy’s
receives, the retailer donates $1, up to $1 million, to help grant
the wishes of children with life-threatening medical
conditions.
Grants will be awarded to the first 100 eligible schools that
complete the application process. All schools are able to access
the digital toolkit on yesvirginiamusical.com, which includes the
royalty free script and score as well as other helpful production
materials.
“Yes, Virginia The Musical” was adapted from the animated
special “Yes, Virginia” written by Chris Plehal, created and
produced by Macy's and JWT in conjunction with The Ebeling Group
and MEC Entertainment, a division of Mediaedge:cia. “Yes, Virginia
The Musical” was written by Wesley Whatley (music) and William
Schermerhorn (book and lyrics), the Emmy Award-winning creative
team behind the original song, “Yes, Virginia (There is a Santa
Claus).”
About Macy’s
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M),
delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at
approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more
than 100 international destinations through its leading online
store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and
social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including
the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him,
her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of
July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as
spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and
celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald
Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State
Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in
southern California -- are known internationally and leading
destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year
tradition, and with the collective support of customers and
employees, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local
and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to
help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts,
please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140611005787/en/
Macy's, Inc.Julie Strider
Fukami, 646-429-5213julie.striderfukami@macys.comorTracy
Hom, 646-429-7470tracy.hom@macys.com
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