Theater News

Rosie's Theater Kids Joins Newman's Own Foundation $500K Holiday Challenge

The nonprofit organization offers musical-theater training to New York City public school students.

(© Rosalie O'Connor Photography)

Rosie’s Theater Kids has joined the Newman's Own Foundation $500K Holiday Challenge, a fundraising competition on CrowdRise, in which eligible US-based 501(c)3 charities will compete for half of one million dollars in prize money. Rosie’s Theater Kids has joined the challenge on CrowdRise in hopes of raising money to support comprehensive musical theater training and academic support services for Title I NYC public school students through the PS Broadway and ACTE II (A Commitment to Excellence) programs.

Founded in 2003 by Rosie O’Donnell and Lori Klinger, Rosie’s Theater Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of underserved students through the arts with both in-school and after-school programming. Its scholarship program, ACTE II, serves students from Title 1 NYC public schools with free, conservatory-style training in musical theater from 6th through 12th grade after school at Maravel Arts Center, the Rosie’s Theater Kids headquarters at 445 West 45th Street.

The Newman's Own Foundation $500K Holiday Challenge launched on CrowdRise on November 21 and runs through January 3, 2018 at 1:59pm ET. There are 10 grand prizes up for grabs, with the team that raises the most online winning $150,000 and 10th place winning $2,500. On #GivingTuesday an additional $85,000 will be awarded to the top 3 charities. Plus, weekly Bonus Challenges enable charities to win up to another $115,000.

To help Rosie’s Theater Kids win the Newman's Own Foundation $500K Holiday Challenge, click here.