Somewhere in the Arizona desert, or perhaps in a coffee shop in urban Phoenix, a group of science fiction fans gather once a month to dissect and discuss one of their favorite television shows of all time.

These gatherings are called “shindigs,” and these fans are called “Browncoats.”  The show they come together to applaud is none other than Joss Whedon’s Firefly.  That’s a worthy pastime in and of itself, but their meetings serve a higher purpose, too.  These fans gather to network and to socialize, and they work toward the greater good at the same time.

Arizona Browncoats, like all Firefly fan clubs, is a charity organization.  The state of Arizona has recognized them as such with official non-profit status since 2007.

AZ Browncoats logo

Since one of KNTR’s co-founders is none other than Nathan Fillion, who played the rogue captain Malcolm Reynolds on Firefly, The Kids Need to Read Foundation is lucky enough to have many Browncoats on our side.  We have been blessed many times by the seemingly boundless generosity of Browncoats, and our recent calendar project is no exception to this.

Our very first sponsor for the Kids Need to Read calendar was the Arizona Browncoats.  They have donated $300 to our cause, and that’s certainly nothing to scoff at!  This statement from the group shows why they chose to donate to KNTR:

The Arizona Browncoats, originally united in their love of Joss Whedon’s television show Firefly and its movie sequel Serenity, are dedicated to the promotion and support of causes for unity and equality among all people.  The Arizona Browncoats stand behind KNTR’s belief that literacy is often the only light to success for disadvantaged children and we applaud KNTR’s efforts to engage children from all walks of life into the world of reading.

What a perfect testament to the work that Kids Need to Read is doing!  Thank you Arizona Browncoats – both for your kind words and for your calendar sponsorship!

- This blog was written by volunteer blogger Laura McConnell.

Comments

4 Responses to “An Oasis of Giving in the Desert – Thank You Arizona Browncoats!”

  1. Jennifer Anderson on June 2nd, 2009 10:19 pm

    Thank you for such wonderful words. The Arizona Browncoats are happy to help out in whatever way we can. And it’s so exciting that KNTR is now a “local” charity for us!

  2. Susan Richins on June 3rd, 2009 9:54 am

    I’m not a member of the Browncoats but my son and daughter-in-law are. When they told me about KNTR I was more than happy to make a donation. What a great cause. I am proud that the Browncoats do so much with so few active members.

  3. Lisa Richins on June 3rd, 2009 11:39 am

    I’m an Arizona Browncoat. The minute the idea of donating to KNTR was proposed it was a unanimous “yes” for the group. Our love of science fiction comes from books as well as our beloved TV shows. What better way to give a child the chance to experience the wonder we have all come to enjoy?! I’m sure this won’t be the last time our two groups come together in support of this great cause. :)

  4. Denise Gary on June 3rd, 2009 4:37 pm

    Thank you so much for your support! It doesn’t take many Browncoats to do great things. They are natural givers who get things done. We are looking forward to promoting literacy for kids together with the Arizona Browncoats.

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