Do Something Big – Be in the United Way Campaign Film

This is an open casting call to people from all across the community to be part of something big! We’re recruiting a large group of volunteers to participate in the filming of the 2012-13 Middlesex United Way campaign video. This film is shown to thousands of people at their workplace, via our website, and on social media.

Yellowbarn Films, based in Middletown, will be shooting our film on Friday, July 27 from 3:00 p.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m. or soon thereafter. The atmosphere promises to be high-energy and celebratory as the crowd gathers to work on a large-scale art project, share their thoughts on what it means to be part of something big, and enjoy a summer afternoon outside.

Bring your kids and show them what it’s like to make a professional film. Bring a group from the office and make it a team-building exercise. If you work with a nonprofit organization, bring a group of kids or clients and make it a fun outing. We want as many people as possible to gather for this project. The more, the merrier!

If you have a Live United t-shirt (white t-shirt with black lettering), please wear it. We will have a limited number of additional Live United shirts available that day. Be sure to wear something you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Snacks and bottled water will be provided. Everyone participating will be required to sign a release form. We are still in the process of securing a location, but it will be somewhere nearby, in Middletown or Cromwell.

Please register yourself and your group on our website at www.middlesexunitedway.org/news/timetoshine then pass the word around to your friends and colleagues to join us also. We will inform you via email of the final location for the film shoot. Hope to see you there!

Switching gears a bit, we were recently informed by NBC Connecticut about a wonderful funding opportunity for Connecticut nonprofit organizations. The NBCUniversal Foundation is partnering with NBC Connecticut to create 21st Century Solutions, a local grant challenge for nonprofit organizations implementing new and innovative programs. Now through August 15, 2012 they will be looking for fresh ideas that are moving our community forward. The winner will receive a $50,000 grant and two runners-up will each receive $25,000, totaling $100,000 in grants for Connecticut.

The competitive grant challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that are implementing progressive programs, approximately less than three years old. They will accept applications for programs that are addressing new, emerging challenges or ongoing issues in the areas of Arts and Media, Civic Engagement, Jobs and Economic Empowerment, Community Development, Technology and Innovation, Education, and Environment.

Qualifying non-profit organizations must be physically located in and serve the NBC Connecticut Television Market. Please review the grant program’s complete eligibility requirements to ensure your organization falls within the guidelines. Learn more and apply online at http://www.nbcconnecticut.com and type the word “Solutions” in the search box.

Live United!