August 2002

TAFFY Scholarships Awarded

Four Central Vermont youth were awarded scholarships this summer from the Montpelier Theatre Guild’s “Theater Arts Fund For Youth” (TAFFY), a fund established in the name of Russell Smith. The awards are provided annually to help defray the cost of theater workshops and camps for youth seeking to develop skills and confidence in the theater arts, whether acting, set design or any other aspect of theater production.

Anthony, Amanda, and Morgan Cullum of Berlin were the first recipients of the Fund, which supported their attendance of the Maple Corner Art and Drama camp in Berlin.  David Gabaree of Morrisville received a grant to help cover expenses of the Vermont Teen Theater Group at the Skinner barn in Waitsfield.

TAFFY, founded in January 2002 by Russ Smith and Montpelier Theatre Guild Board Member Alyson Lincoln McHugh, is administered by an advisory board, which includes McHugh, Reed Bushey, Mark Billian, Cindy Cykon, John Lincoln and Megan Smith.  Russell Smith of Montpelier was a longtime advocate for and director of children’s theater. The Fund’s purpose is to act as an incentive for youth interested in gaining skills and confidence in theater arts by providing cash scholarships to reduce the costs of theater camps.

To learn more about Russell’s TAFFY, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit us on the web at www.russellstaffy.org or write to Russell’s TAFFY, Montpelier Theatre Guild, PO Box 465, Montpelier, Vermont 05601.

Interview Contact:

Mark Billian

National Life of Vermont

mbillian@nationallife.com

Work: 229-3563

Home: 223-0137

TAFFY

Theater Arts Fund For Youth

C/o Montpelier Theatre Guild

PO Box 465

Montpelier, Vermont 05601