Random1 is an incredible idea. Last April, you had John Chester and Normand Cartier come to Coe and share their story and the film Lost in Woonsocket. After seeing the film and reallizing that only 9 people came to watch it, I was very dissapointed in the students at Coe but moreso at the poor planning and advertising of the event. (It should have been broadcast to the public). Because of that, I have been in touch with John since April. He has since formed a new non-profit organization called Lost and Found in America (http://www.lafia.org/) which looks for incredible stories of hope and recovery. They plan to make more documentaries highlighting these people along with heroes in the communities. Money made is given to organizations in cities to aid homeless people and those less fortunate. It has been my goal to work with this organization to arrange a film screening of Lost in Woonsocket for the Cedar Rapids community. It will be run as a benefit for Mission of Hope and ASAC. In one of my phone conversations with the Director of Productions, David Riordan, he warned me that he wants this to be done well because they have seen screenings flop when it was organized poorly. He mentioned one screening at a college that only had 9 people come see the film. When I explained that was Coe, he knew I understood his concerns.
Throughout this process, I have discovered many obstacles. Recently, I've gotten in touch with Charles Daugherty who is already a irreplacable partner in this project. He is the director of Serve the City and also runs Linn County Area Evangelics (LCAE). He invited me to an LCAE luncheon where I made numerous contacts with individuals and organizations in the community. He has also arranged for me to help serve meals at several organizations including House of Prayer. He knows everyone in the community, and I have been told by many, that Charles is the man to know if you want to accomplish anything with the churches' involvement. After working with him I have hopes of getting several hundred people to come to my screening.
There are still so many things I have to accomplish including raising approximately $4000, putting together a brochure or pamphlet, deciding the proper ways to advertise, contacting newspapers and TV stations, deciding where to show the film and every little detail about the location including sound and lighting equipment and ticket booths. After typing all this, I reallize I need to kick myself a little harder in the next couple days if I want this to happen in March.
The good news is, as I have been showing the film to staff members in organizations, I have found nothing but complete excitement and anticipation for this event. I know that I can't let the community down.
