If you’ve been around the Theatre during the past eight years [and in the community too, but that’s a whole other article], it’s likely that you’ve run into Lori Stokes. Within two weeks of moving to the Island, Lori was volunteering at SJCT. From working in the box office, to editing copy for promotions and programs, to assisting stage managers and to being a part of the cast in The Laramie Project, Lori is a much welcome fixture at the Theatre.
But Lori does even more than this – she is also one of our investors. “I think it’s critical that people who love this theatre like I do, give to it financially– to whatever extent they can,” she says. “Tickets sales can’t do it all. In order for our island treasure to stay in business, people who care about it really have to put their money on the line."
In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that her donations really do make a difference, Lori is quick to point out that investing in the Theatre is also an investment in her own future here. “I just love live theater,” she observes. “If I needed to go to Seattle to see it, I’m honestly not sure I could stay on the island. It’s central to the quality of my life here. Not only is it convenient, it also provides a variety of live performance options that I would never see if I had to go off-island.”
Lori is also enthusiastic about getting to see the results of her investment. “Making a donation to the Theatre means much more to me than when I send a contribution to some large, impersonal national organization. I know that my support is noticed and appreciated -- and that just plain feels good." |
