dancerjodi (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dancerjodi) wrote2004-12-03 07:53 am
dancerjodi) wrote2004-12-03 07:53 am
A pat on the back
There is an article about our group in Bantha Tracks, a section in Star Wars Insider Magazine:
*****
Taking Care of Their Own - The 501st Legion Pulls Together For Katie
December 02, 2004
In 1999 Albin Johnson of South Carolina formed the 501st Legion, a Star
Wars Imperial costuming group that would grow to be the foremost Star Wars
fan organization in the world. His priorities, and the priorities of the
other founders, are summarized in the group's charter: "...to celebrate
the Star Wars movies through the wearing of costumes, to promote the
quality and improvement of costumes and props, and most importantly to
contribute to the local community through charity and volunteer work."
Over the years, the "most important" charity efforts of the members of the
501st have been beyond impressive, sometimes featured on websites and
television, and in newspapers and Bantha Tracks. Much of the hard work has
gone unreported, but is no less appreciated by the lucky recipients of the
group's contributions.
Katie Johnson.
Helping kids has been a particular focus for Legion members, with costumed
stormtroopers, Darth Vaders, and bounty hunters bringing the joy of Star
Wars to children's hospitals all over the world. Sadly, Johnson's
six-year-old daughter Katie was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, and
the founder who worked tirelessly to bring Star Wars smiles to kids is now
tending a seriously ill child of his own.
Members of the 501st have rallied around their leader, organizing
fundraisers and other "get well" wishes for Katie and her family. Their
continued efforts have made a difference.
"Amidst all the despair and hopelessness it is so wonderful to hear the
well wishes of friends," says Johnson. "Katie is the dearest little child
and deserves so much better. We are fighting daily to find a solution."
Here's a sampling of what fans everywhere have been doing to help out,
plus contact info that you can use to help you pitch in:
Rain Montes, 501st Legion member, is collecting monetary donations to help
the family with mounting medical costs. Contact rainmontes@hotmail.com.
Katie opens a box of goodies from well-wishers at Wiz Kids games.
Members of the Empire City Garrison and Garrison Carida (Pennsylvania)
trooped at the National Convention in New York City and raised over
$1000.00 from both Star Wars fans and New York passersby.
"We asked for donations for Katie's cause on the corner of 34th Street and
7th Avenue," says Christian Bontigao, the XO of the Empire City Garrison
(ECG). "We also made a video of footage we took, recording New Yorkers
wishing her well." Jay Thompson of the ECG will edit the video, add music,
and make a DVD for Katie.
"In the Empire City there was some sort of magic that weekend, and our
efforts exceeded my expectations," recounts Bontigao. "Strangers and fans
of Star Wars were not only donating for Katie's cause but were concerned
for Katie, asking how she was, and rooting for the best."
The ECG also recorded Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), David Prowse (Darth
Vader), Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett), and Jake Lloyd (young Anakin
Skywalker) at the National Convention, sending their greetings and best
wishes to Katie.
"It was weird," says Bontigao, "because we look up to these stars and now
they were in the video looking up to Katie and telling her to fight the
fight." For more on the Empire City Garrison and Garrison Carida go to
empirecitygarrison.com and garrisoncarida.com.
The New England Garrison of the 501st has been gathering PayPal donations
from their membership. Troopers in the group also attended Boston's Super
Megafest convention in November, where they not only collected donations
from convention-goers but also collected signatures on a card for Katie
from Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), and Erica Durance, who
plays Lois Lane on television's "Smallville," a favorite show of Katie's.
"Thanks to all who were there and who donated online," says Bob Gouveia of
the New England Garrison. "I can't imagine a better cause." For more on
the New England Garrison go to 501neg.com.
In Australia, a member of the Terror Australis Squad of the 501st created
a t-shirt for Katie that is being sold with all proceeds donated toward
her medical bills. The front of the shirt features the garrison's kangaroo
or "skippy," and the back sports large type that reads "Troopers for
Katie."
Bantha Tracks anticipates there will be many more efforts from the 501st
Legion and other Star Wars fan groups, too.
"I am challenging each and every one of the 501st members, especially the
XOs and COs, to troop with a cause," concludes Bontigao, "to troop not
only for Katie but for your personal charity organization, especially with
the holidays coming up." Bontigao adds that he is motivated because "this
little girl, who I have never met, motivated me."
"This is a story of hope," concludes Johnson. "We want as many people as
possible hoping and praying for Katie."
We here at Bantha Tracks, starwars.com, and Lucasfilm send our warmest
wishes to Katie and Albin and their family.
*****
Taking Care of Their Own - The 501st Legion Pulls Together For Katie
December 02, 2004
In 1999 Albin Johnson of South Carolina formed the 501st Legion, a Star
Wars Imperial costuming group that would grow to be the foremost Star Wars
fan organization in the world. His priorities, and the priorities of the
other founders, are summarized in the group's charter: "...to celebrate
the Star Wars movies through the wearing of costumes, to promote the
quality and improvement of costumes and props, and most importantly to
contribute to the local community through charity and volunteer work."
Over the years, the "most important" charity efforts of the members of the
501st have been beyond impressive, sometimes featured on websites and
television, and in newspapers and Bantha Tracks. Much of the hard work has
gone unreported, but is no less appreciated by the lucky recipients of the
group's contributions.
Katie Johnson.
Helping kids has been a particular focus for Legion members, with costumed
stormtroopers, Darth Vaders, and bounty hunters bringing the joy of Star
Wars to children's hospitals all over the world. Sadly, Johnson's
six-year-old daughter Katie was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, and
the founder who worked tirelessly to bring Star Wars smiles to kids is now
tending a seriously ill child of his own.
Members of the 501st have rallied around their leader, organizing
fundraisers and other "get well" wishes for Katie and her family. Their
continued efforts have made a difference.
"Amidst all the despair and hopelessness it is so wonderful to hear the
well wishes of friends," says Johnson. "Katie is the dearest little child
and deserves so much better. We are fighting daily to find a solution."
Here's a sampling of what fans everywhere have been doing to help out,
plus contact info that you can use to help you pitch in:
Rain Montes, 501st Legion member, is collecting monetary donations to help
the family with mounting medical costs. Contact rainmontes@hotmail.com.
Katie opens a box of goodies from well-wishers at Wiz Kids games.
Members of the Empire City Garrison and Garrison Carida (Pennsylvania)
trooped at the National Convention in New York City and raised over
$1000.00 from both Star Wars fans and New York passersby.
"We asked for donations for Katie's cause on the corner of 34th Street and
7th Avenue," says Christian Bontigao, the XO of the Empire City Garrison
(ECG). "We also made a video of footage we took, recording New Yorkers
wishing her well." Jay Thompson of the ECG will edit the video, add music,
and make a DVD for Katie.
"In the Empire City there was some sort of magic that weekend, and our
efforts exceeded my expectations," recounts Bontigao. "Strangers and fans
of Star Wars were not only donating for Katie's cause but were concerned
for Katie, asking how she was, and rooting for the best."
The ECG also recorded Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), David Prowse (Darth
Vader), Daniel Logan (young Boba Fett), and Jake Lloyd (young Anakin
Skywalker) at the National Convention, sending their greetings and best
wishes to Katie.
"It was weird," says Bontigao, "because we look up to these stars and now
they were in the video looking up to Katie and telling her to fight the
fight." For more on the Empire City Garrison and Garrison Carida go to
empirecitygarrison.com and garrisoncarida.com.
The New England Garrison of the 501st has been gathering PayPal donations
from their membership. Troopers in the group also attended Boston's Super
Megafest convention in November, where they not only collected donations
from convention-goers but also collected signatures on a card for Katie
from Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), and Erica Durance, who
plays Lois Lane on television's "Smallville," a favorite show of Katie's.
"Thanks to all who were there and who donated online," says Bob Gouveia of
the New England Garrison. "I can't imagine a better cause." For more on
the New England Garrison go to 501neg.com.
In Australia, a member of the Terror Australis Squad of the 501st created
a t-shirt for Katie that is being sold with all proceeds donated toward
her medical bills. The front of the shirt features the garrison's kangaroo
or "skippy," and the back sports large type that reads "Troopers for
Katie."
Bantha Tracks anticipates there will be many more efforts from the 501st
Legion and other Star Wars fan groups, too.
"I am challenging each and every one of the 501st members, especially the
XOs and COs, to troop with a cause," concludes Bontigao, "to troop not
only for Katie but for your personal charity organization, especially with
the holidays coming up." Bontigao adds that he is motivated because "this
little girl, who I have never met, motivated me."
"This is a story of hope," concludes Johnson. "We want as many people as
possible hoping and praying for Katie."
We here at Bantha Tracks, starwars.com, and Lucasfilm send our warmest
wishes to Katie and Albin and their family.