Do It for Will
Posted on | January 23, 2009 | No Comments
Hey guys – I’m sure most, if not all of you have read this or gotten emails about this via other Chicagotheatreans, but I know some of you who read this are not Chicago-based – and I hope you might take this as a personal request to lend a hand.
As Nick says today, there is a benefit event for Chicago actor Will Schutz at Hydrate tonight, helping to raise money for Will’s medical expenses. It seems Will’s got pancreatic cancer which, for those of you who aren’t oncologists, isn’t the good kind of cancer.
This hits home for me in a number of ways – first, i know Will – both from the stage (I loved him in the Sherlock Holmes adaptations at City Lit and his recent – like a couple of months ago – turn in Signal’s The Birthday Party which has been on everyone’s “Best of” lists, it seems) and from the bar. Secondly, my dad is recovering from cancer-related surgery and my uncle is battling his malignancies much less well, which apart from being draining in and of itself does not bode well for my personal cellular integrity down the road. And lastly, Will’s financial situation can’t be helped by the fact that – as he related at a recent audition – he quit his job after “busting his hump for two years at a crappy day job” so he could buy himself time to focus on what he loved – performing. Given my own plans and hopes and fears for the near future, I need to believe that we, as a community – not just of shared location but of shared vocation – will reach out to help one another in times of dire need, even when the systems of our society leave us a pretty steep hill to climb.
So do what you can, please:
Buy me a beer?Our friend Will is currently fighting an illness and, per usual, his hospital bills are pilling up way, way, way beyond his means. Chicago bar HYDRATE (3458 N Halsted St) has very kindly donated their space to the friends of Will (and friends of friends, and strangers!) on Friday, January 23rd between 9 PM and 11 PM in order that we might come together to support our friend and offer up what we can to assist him financially. It’s PAY WHAT YOU CAN, with a suggested donation of $20, though any amount will get you an open bar (well drinks, domestic beer, wine, juice and soda), appetizers and some pretty terrific live entertainment, not to mention new friends. Every penny goes to Will.
If you’re not able to help out financially, no one understands that better than theatre folks and their friends. But we hope you’ll at least consider coming out to show your emotional support in person. And whether you’re able to make it or not, please keep him in your minds and hearts each and every day. He has requested ALL of your prayers and thoughts and well-wishes. God knows, Will is worth every penny you’re able to give, and every ounce of your energy and efforts. And if you don’t know him personally, trust us.
***If you want to donate but can’t come on the 23rd, you can at willschutzpancan.chipin.com ***
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