The stars come out for charity
Theirs are some of the most impressive names in the sci-fi sphere: Amanda Tapping (Stargate SG-1, Sanctuary); Simon Barry (Continuum, Ghost Wars); Leah Cairns (Travelers); Aleks Paunovic (Van Helsing, War for the Planet of the Apes); Chelsey Reist (The 100); Rukiya Bernard (Van Helsing).
And now, these sci-fi standouts are coming together for a single out-of-this-world afternoon in support of a 4-year-old sci-fi fan who needs all the help the universe can muster.
The event is Straight Out of Sci-Fi: A star-studded sci-fi fundraiser for 4-year-old Luke McLetchie. The fundraiser – which takes place at Vancouver TheatreSports on May 27 and is produced by Yellow Heart Pictures – puts these sci-fi stars in conversation with lifelong sci-fi fan – and your humble YVR Screen Scene editor-in-chief – Sabrina Furminger (that's me!). The event offers a kind of “Inside the Actors Studio” experience but with a sci-fi – and charitable – twist.
Also on the schedule: silent and live auctions of rare and unique items; photo opportunities with the stars; refreshments available for purchase; the opportunity to sign up to be a bone marrow donor with Canadian Blood Services’ OneMatch program.
All funds raised from Straight Out of Sci-Fi will go towards providing needed relief to Luke McLetchie and his family.
4-year-old sci-fi fan Luke McLetchie has been diagnosed with severe Acquired Aplastic Anemia (AAA), which is a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disease. Only 2 children in one million are diagnosed each year in North America. His bone marrow is not producing red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets which puts him at risk for an overwhelming infection or hemorrhage. The best treatment for AAA is a bone marrow transplant; however, his brothers and parents are not a match. A worldwide search for an unrelated bone marrow donor has been started. Meanwhile Luke is receiving blood transfusions and platelet infusions on a regular basis and has started treatment of immunosuppressant drugs at BC Children's Hospital.
More information about Luke McLetchie is available on the GoFundMe page Fighting For Luke, as well as in this recent CTV News Vancouver story.
EVENT SCHEDULE
**1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Register to become a stem cell and/or blood donor!
2:00 PM: DOORS OPEN - silent auction is ready; drinks are sold
2:30 PM - 2:40 PM: introductory remarks
2:40 PM -3:30 PM: a moderated lively discussion about life in the sci-fi sphere, with lots of BTS anecdotes and laughter; ends with audience Q&A, and live auction
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM: live auction
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM: -silent auction continues / half-hour for pre-purchased photo op with esteemed guests / mingling and drinks / ability to sign up to be a bone marrow donor. ONLY 18 tickets available for professional photo opportunities with sci-fi stars (select BENCH SEATING)
4:30 PM: final goodbyes
** 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM: Are you a 17-35 year old male? This is YOUR chance to BE A HERO! OneMatch Stem Cell & Marrow Network will be onsite registering young males to become potential stem cell donors. Fill out a form, swab your cheek and you might just be the one match to save someone’s life! Not a 17-35 year old male? Sign up to become a blood donor! No ticket needed for this portion. Chelsey Reist from The 100 will be available for photos and signing autographs. Attendees during this time will be entered into a draw. Four names will be drawn and those people will get to stay and participate in the rest of the afternoon's activities
Tickets for Straight Out of Sci-Fi: A star-studded sci-fi fundraiser for 4-year-old Luke McLetchie begin at $100 and available at www.yellowheartpictures.com.
ENTER TO WIN TWO VIP TICKETS TO STRAIGHT OUT OF SCI-FI
PRIZING
Two VIP tickets to Straight Out Of Sci-Fi, taking place 2pm-4:30pm on May 27 at Vancouver TheatreSports (1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver). Ticket package includes panel and photo opportunity with the sci-fi stars in attendance. Package does not include travel to or from Vancouver or accommodation.
HOW TO ENTER
Send an email with your name, email address, and daytime phone number to sabrina@yvrscreenscene.com, as well as the answer to this question:
What is the name of the little boy for whom we’re raising funds on May 27?
Contest closes May 15 at 8pm. Winners will be chosen via draw and notified May 16.
