“Habitat for Humanity and Rotary both do great work in Flagstaff, around the country and around the world.”
An important theater date is approaching in Flagstaff: On Thursday night, March 28,
theatergoers will have an opportunity to enjoy what is being called a “hilariously divine farce,” while contributing to two local non-profits – Flagstaff Rotary Club and
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona.
The Flagstaff Rotary Club will be hosting its Second Annual Theatrikos Night Out with a
production of “The Gods of Comedy,” the night before the play begins a run from March 29
through April 21 at Theatrikos Theatre Company on West Cherry Ave.
All proceeds from the Theatrikos performance will be divided equally between the Rotary and
Habitat organizations, said Chris Verrill, executive director of Theatrikos Theatre Company.
“In three ways, the Rotary Club of Flagstaff, Habitat for Humanity and Theatrikos Theatre
Company partnership is a perfect example of Flagstaff residents, businesses and organizations
working together to make our community a better place to live,” said Verrill. “Habitat for
Humanity and Rotary both do great work in Flagstaff, around the country and around the
world.”
Verrill has been a Rotarian for 23 years and his father was a Habitat volunteer for years.
“At Theatrikos, it is our honor and privilege to be able to support these excellent non-profits,”
he said. “Plus, from a business and marketing standpoint, this partnership generates publicity
that introduces new patrons to live theatre in Flagstaff. It’s not just win, win, it’s win, win,
win.”
The Flagstaff Rotary Club, which was founded in 1921 and was the third Rotary Club in
Arizona, has long taken on sustainable projects, from literacy and peace, to water and health,
to providing basic needs such as clothing, food and shelter.
In the past, the club has purchased laptops for the new Killip School STEM Lab, built
wheelchair ramps on the Hopi Reservation, provided money for the Navajo Water Project,
supported landscaping at Ponderosa School, raised funds for Northland Hospice and awarded
four Rotary Club Global Grant projects in Mexico.
“This the second time we have done this event, and the first time we met with a good deal of
success,” said Carla Viola, who is a Rotarian and the event chair for Theatrikos Night Out. “We
would like to do even better this time.”
In addition to the staging of “The Gods of Comedy,” the event includes complimentary snacks
and beverages, a no-host wine bar and a silent auction. “Also, NAU’s Rotaract club assists us
with projects like the ramp building and fundraising,” Viola said. “There is also a high school club, Interact at FALA, which we are associated with, which will be helping us sell tickets for
the Theatrikos event. These clubs are assisted by Rotary to develop leadership skills and a
service mentality.” Habitat for Humanity was founded in Flagstaff
in 1976, one of 13 affiliates that serve diverse rural and urban communities throughout
Arizona. The vision of the non-profit is to create “affordable homeownership opportunities for
those in need, building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter,” according to the
local Habitat for Humanity website. Currently volunteers and staff, working through the
Starter Home Program, are involved in building homes in Flagstaff and two homes in
Havasupai.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Rotary Foundation and Theatrikos for the second year in a
row,” said Eric Wolverton, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. “It
is wonderful to host this event in partnership so that participants can feel good knowing they
are supporting the creation of workforce housing, civil service with Rotary and the arts with
Theatrikos. Habitat is grateful to Theatrikos and the incredible ensemble of community actors
that invite us each year!” FBN
By Betsey Bruner, FBN
Tickets for “The Gods of Humanity” fundraising event can be purchased at
flagstaffrotary.com
Courtesy Photo: Flagstaff Rotary Club volunteers built wheelchair ramps on the Hopi
Reservation’s Third Mesa.