ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, November 24, 1996 TAG: 9611250065
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
Circus appeal is legitimate
This letter is to clarify a legitimate upcoming event sponsored by the Montgomery County Kiwanis Club. It is in response to comments by the president of the Christiansburg Kiwanis Club, Jerry Higgins, who identified fund-raising calls for the event as a scam ["Kiwanis Club warns of telephone calls," Current, Nov. 19, 1996]. Despite knowing of the Montgomery County Kiwanis Club's sponsorship, he stated that Kiwanis had not authorized such an event.
The event, Hollywood Magic Circus, is produced by All American Events, and is sponsored locally by the Montgomery County club. Prospective contributors are contacted by phone and given the option of receiving a block of tickets or having them distributed to needy children in this area. These tickets are given to government and welfare organizations for use by their clients. The sponsoring Kiwanis Club also participates in this distribution. The club receives a percentage or guaranteed minimum, whichever is larger, to use for its service projects.
The club's service projects include preschool reading stimulation through programs of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library and New River Valley Health Department, after-prom parties of the Blacksburg and Riner high schools, maintenance of the Hand-in-Hand playground, smoke alarm installation for families identified by CHIP, the Christmas Store and others. Not only do these projects and needy children benefit, but the Lyric Theatre receives much-needed rental for the use of its facility.
Shows are scheduled in the Lyric at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. All tickets will be honored, even if extra performances are necessary. Come join us for the fun and festivities.
John Lipsey, president
Montgomery County Kiwanis Club
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB