Dedicated Donors

Here we highlight the generous people who help make our work possible, our donors. Read below to find out more about who they are and why they choose to give to YPT.

Playwrights’ Circle

For the past three years, YPT has been privileged to receive generous gifts from ITT Defense and Information Solutions in Virginia. In July 2011, YPT reached out to ITT HR Programs Coordinator Suzanne Mann and ITT Contracts Coordinator Jane Hans to thank them for supporting YPT students and to learn more about what inspires them to keep giving. 

YPT: First, tell us a little bit about yourselves. What do you like to do for fun?

Suzanne: We both like to run when we can find the time. We also enjoy relaxing with our husbands and traveling as much as possible. We have both been to Italy in recent years. We love Italian food and wine!

YPT: And now for a very important question - If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to play the lead role?

Suzanne: Jennifer Aniston.

Jane: Zooey Deschanel!

Katie White was introduced to YPT by her daughter, a former YPT student at Wilson Senior High School who was featured in the New Play Festival. “It was amazing to see her play come to life with real actors playing the roles,” Katie remembers. “That was the beginning of a great relationship between my daughter and YPT, and I was lucky to continue to be able to follow the organization through her.”

Katie has enjoyed a life long love of the arts. She holds a BA degree in Theatre, and she was an actress in elementary, junior and senior high school. She still remembers all the songs from her junior-high play "People i.e."
 
Katie continues to believe strongly in the arts, and particularly in the power and importance of arts education in the classroom. She was inspired to give to YPT after watching the 2009 New Play Festival, and witnessing first-hand what a difference YPT can make in the lives of young people from all over DC. “I hope YPT will use the funds for whatever needs the organization has,” Katie says, “and that it will make some small difference to the programs.”
 
To anyone considering donating to YPT, Katie says, “Give whatever you can to this really important organization. If one child a year decides that he or she can be a writer, or an actor, or can attend college, the impact is HUGE. In addition to adding to the artistic education of kids who can afford to follow their dreams, this organization reaches out to children who don't have the privileges others take for granted. What a great way to expose these children to the arts and allow them to express themselves and their life situations.  It will make a difference to them and others who are fortunate enough to experience their work.”

Carol Falk and Alan Johnson are long-time DC residents who have been involved with YPT for the past two years.