History
“Can’t Stop the Serenity” (or CSTS for short) started in 2006 by a man known as The One True b!X in Portland, Oregon. This very avid fan decided to show Serenity on Joss Whedon’s birthday as a charity event to raise money for one of Joss’ favorite charities that his late mother was involved with, Equality Now.
When B!x decided to share this idea with the world and invite them to join in, we are sure he had no idea that 46 cities across the globe would sign up to organize similar events, across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These events ranged from simply screening the movie, to elaborate shindigs, parties, and even Browncoat feasts! Many were organized within just a couple of months. After all the screenings were done, these fans stood by proudly as their combined efforts raised over US $65,000 for Equality Now.
Immediately after, there was chatter about holding the event bigger and better in 2007. It wasn’t long before it was decided to make the event an annual one. So in 2007, with Devin Pike (Dallas, TX) at the helm of the ship, 47 cities signed up to hold a screening. A stunning logo for 2007 was designed by Adam “Lexigeek” Levermore and from that global merchandise was organized, with T-shirts and movie-size posters available for purchase. The same design was used to create other merchandise locally such as magnets, mugs, badges, and many other shiny items. We received global sponsorship from a wide range of fan favourites, who donated items which were used as prizes for raffles, auctions, costume contests and more at local events . With more time to organize their events and a stronger global support network in place, the organizers in 2007 went on to raise an impressive US $106,000 for Equality Now.
Beth Nelson (Austin, TX) took the reigns in 2008, and the event grew to 45 cities in 4 countries. With Adam Levermore once again providing the promotional artwork, new global sponsors came on board, and though there were fears that folks wouldn’t come out to see Serenity any more, it was a wonderful feeling to see that the fans still had a passion for the universe Joss had created, and for the movement he inspired. In Beth’s own words, “We faced adversity together and triumphed over it. That makes us mighty, and it makes me proud to call myself a Browncoat. The easy times don’t often show a person’s true character; it’s how people act when met with conflict that shows their real nature. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make sure that 2008′s Can’t Stop the Serenity events were not only successful, but beyond our expectations.” The 2008 events raised $107,219.15 for Equality Now.
2009 saw a new face take charge, with Anne Barringer (Memphis, TN) stepping up to the plate. “What I hope to accomplish for 2009,” Anne said at the beginning of her term, “is to take what Beth and her fellow Global Organizers before her started to fruition. The fact that Beth helped hold this ship together in the face of adversity and a shortage of supplies (film) while helping CSTS continue to mean something has inspired me to follow suit; together we can see this dream grow into more successful events and a louder voice for change. I want to encourage as much participation as I can from all of those who hear the call to do good works, and I’m looking for fresh ideas and enthusiasm to keep CSTS flying high for years to come.” This inspiration drew new cities into the fold, and Can’t Stop the Serenity swelled to 50 cities in 7 countries. Anne also introduced the very successful Art Contest to design the annual artwork (which introduced Don McMillan to a worldwide audience of fans) and brought Joss Whedon’s Dr Horrible’s Sing-along Blog into the mix to rave reviews. And despite the economic hard time, local organizers and fans dug deep across the globe to raise a staggering $137,331.14 for Equality Now and other charities.
For the fifth year of Can’t Stop the Serenity, the event’s global leadership returned to it’s founding home of Portland, OR. Christine Mooney accepted the challenge, and the event continued to grow, with 52 cities joining in across 5 countries. The Art Contest returned, and few were surprised that Don McMillan’s gorgeous designs were chosen. Dr Horrible’s Sing-along Blog continued to be the perfect accompanyiment to Serenity, and additional content from The Guild and Megabot continued to bring something new for audiences. Over $140,000 was raised – a new record!
In just five years, fans raised over half a million dollars for
Equality Now and other charities. We’ve done the impossible and that makes us mighty indeed! These funds have allowed Equality Now to support victims of violence, work to change unjust laws, raise awareness and provide opportunities for women.
In 2011, William Pace of Utah took the reins of the Global Team. Fifty-one cities registered including a first for CSTS – a Wedding reception which also served as an Affiliate event. The Art Contest had a lot of good entries but Melanie Fischer’s strong images won the day.
The CSTS Griswald Award, which recognises the local Browncoat crew who raises the most money each year, was retired in 2011 after being engraved with a record of over $500,000. It has now found a loving home at Equality Now, presented to Jessica Neuwirth and Amanda Sullivan in Los Angeles by The One True b!X. Also in LA, Joss Whedon attended his first ever CSTS event, where he thanked Browncoats everywhere for their efforts to support Equality Now.
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog and The Guild continued to round out the events, bringing fans of those shows who might not have attended otherwise. Fan-made Browncoats:Redemption was also added this year to the delight of many.
Year six saw amounts raised for Equality Now range from $50 to $20,000 and we knew that every dollar raised was important. Over 23 sponsors ensured that every city had something to raffle or auction, and that our Global auction would be impressive indeed.
But this is by no means the end. Events continue to find new homes and new faces discover the world of Mal, Zoe, Wash, Jayne, Inara, Kaylee, Simon, River, Book and Serenity. And with 2012 celebrating 20 years of Equality Now and the 10th Anniversary of Firefly, it will definitely be a great year to be part of Can’t Stop the Serenity.
