As you know, James’ 50^th Birthday celebration is going to be this August and as some of you may remember, Jessie Wintle organises James Marsters Fan Birthday Project for last couple of years. This year won’t be an exception, I would say quite contrary. She came up with another great idea what to give or rather what to do in James’ name. So, if you want to join other James’ fans and give him something special for his birthday, if you have some spare money to do so and you don’t mind to do it with group of other fans, next few paragraphs are just for you. James Marsters fans, it’s time to unite and do something nice, you don’t celebrate 50^th birthday every year.

Before you will read the details, in case you will meet James before this gift is going to be presented to him, please do not tell him about it, let’s still hope that he doesn’t read any fan boards/sites and that his friends or people around him who read them won’t tell him about it so this will truly be a surprise. Hurry now to read all about it from Jessie:

Hi, all!

I know that I am a little later than usual with the birthday proposal, but here it is:

James is turning 50 this year, so I would like to do something special; something that celebrates his career – more specifically, something that celebrates where it started. So, Grace Davis High School in Modesto, California, is, of course, the high school James attended. They currently have an award winning, state recognized drama teacher, Lindsay Bryan. Mrs. Bryan and the Drama Department at Davis are running a drive to raise money to light the theater at the high school. They have very little time to do it in, as renovations are taking place this summer. The district won’t pay for lighting, so it’s up to them to raise the money. They need a lot. We can help!!!

Mrs. Bryan and the students involved in the drama program are fans of James. I think it would make our contribution that much sweeter to know that it was being done in James’ name.

Why donate to this cause?

1.       Students of the arts will see a direct benefit from our donation. This program has produced some fine talent and is clearly well respected by the state and the district. (Even though the district won’t pay for lights, they are keeping their theater program and renovating their theater in this economy! Go district! This is a tangible gift that will benefit every student who goes through the program or sees a performance in the theater.

2.       You’ll feel good about it (I hope).

3.       It’s for James’ birthday!  I’m fairly certain that this will be a very moving gift for him.

How do I donate?

Once again, I will take donations in the form of paypal payments  (send the money to my email address jjwintle@aol.com . I like this method because it gives you and me a public record of the exchange of funds. I will also accept checks via snail mail (email me for my address) or cash if you see me at the play (Frost/Nixon at the end of April).

How much do I need to give?

The answer is: give what you can. As I said, they need a lot of money here, so I ask you to give generously, but every little bit will help.

When will this gift be presented?

Not sure just yet. The earliest would be Wizard World Chicago, but I don’t want to step on anyone else’s plans if there are any. I will keep you updated.

When should I donate?

Now, now, now!  I have been in touch with Mrs. Bryan and time is of the essence. We will make the donation long before we tell James anything about it. And by the way PLEASE DON’T TELL JAMES ANYTHING ABOUT IT IF YOU SEE HIM BEFORE THE PRESENTATION IN AUGUST! I would hate to ruin the surprise.

Questions?

Please direct any questions to me, Jessie, at jjwintle@aol.com.

EDIT: Another option how you can help – buy a T-shirt – James Marsters is turning 50! Get in on the group gift!

Just in case you’ve missed the previous gifts, here is a reminder:

• Dragon*Con 2007 – Photo book (sorry, no video)
• Dragon*Con 2009 – Stormtrooper Costume
• NYCC 2010 – RSC Seat
• Dragon*Con 2011 – LA Theatre Works donation