2 “I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life and was raised <strong>to</strong> believe in philanthropy. People have a responsibility <strong>to</strong> be part <strong>of</strong> their community and <strong>to</strong> give <strong>to</strong> the world.” —Toby Alexander Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> board members Toby Alexander (left) and Joe Denicola
Supporting Roles Quotes from Shakespeare flow from Joe Denicola’s <strong>to</strong>ngue like youthful hip-hop slang. Toby Alexander discusses her love <strong>of</strong> the genius’s work alongside her love <strong>of</strong> hockey and baseb<strong>all</strong>. Alexander and Denicola are among the 31 volunteer board members <strong>of</strong> Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> (SSC), which celebrated its 20th season this year. She serves as president, and he serves as co–vice president and chair <strong>of</strong> the Fund Development Committee. Though neither is a <strong>California</strong> native nor <strong>UC</strong> <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> alum, both volunteer out <strong>of</strong> lifelong interests in theater, education, and community. A retired math teacher, Alexander enthuses, “Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> is one <strong>of</strong> the jewels <strong>of</strong> <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong>. This is something that you wouldn’t norm<strong>all</strong>y find in a sm<strong>all</strong> community like ours. This is world-class theater. <strong>It</strong>’s re<strong>all</strong>y incredible!” Denicola, a clinical psychologist and literature aficionado, is ebullient: “I believe in the power <strong>of</strong> theater <strong>to</strong> change people’s lives. . . . Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> makes Shakespeare accessible and relevant <strong>to</strong> people <strong>to</strong>day.” Thanks <strong>to</strong> dedicated volunteers like Alexander and Denicola, SSC remains on an upward trajec<strong>to</strong>ry. Drawing multigenerational audiences <strong>of</strong> children, hipsters, baby boomers, and seniors, performances have garnered praise loc<strong>all</strong>y and region<strong>all</strong>y. Volunteers raise funds for Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> In 2000, over 40,000 tickets were sold. To ensure that SSC continues <strong>to</strong> grow in size and artistic excellence, the board escalated its fundraising efforts. Under Denicola and Alexander’s leadership, the board spread awareness about the quality and needs <strong>of</strong> its pr<strong>of</strong>essional theater company. The result? Phenomenal success. In both 1999 and 2000, the board surpassed its goals by approximately 20 percent, raising $263,873 and $295,000, respectively. During that period, the board successfully campaigned for a $50,000 endowment for the Sinsheimer– Stanley Festival Glen. Denicola spearheaded the Team Biz program <strong>to</strong> recruit over 100 sm<strong>all</strong> and midsize business sponsors; Coast Commercial Bank has underwritten this program for the past four years. This year’s economic slowdown is no deterrent—the board aims <strong>to</strong> raise $300,000. “Our success is due <strong>to</strong> individual donors, both large and sm<strong>all</strong>, and corporations. We also have fun working <strong>to</strong>gether,” Alexander says. “I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life and was raised <strong>to</strong> believe in philanthropy. People have a responsibility <strong>to</strong> be part <strong>of</strong> their community and <strong>to</strong> give <strong>to</strong> the world.” R For more information, contact Ann McCrow, Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> Development Office, (831) 459-5507; aemccrow@cats.ucsc.edu Get involved! <strong>UC</strong>SC achieves its goals with the help <strong>of</strong> hundreds <strong>of</strong> enthusiastic volunteers. Become one <strong>of</strong> them. <strong>UC</strong>SC Affiliates The Affiliates bridge the campus with the community by participating in College Nights, serving as ushers and greeters at special events, and raising scholarship funds. Arboretum Associates Nearly 1,000 Arboretum Associates raise funds and promote <strong>UC</strong>SC’s world-class Arboretum through free lectures, guided <strong>to</strong>urs, and plant sales. Friends <strong>of</strong> Long Marine Lab Over 1,400 individuals, families, and businesses volunteer and support the education programs <strong>of</strong>fered through the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab. Friends <strong>of</strong> the Dickens Project This group supports programs <strong>of</strong> the project, including the Dickens Universe, a conference on the study <strong>of</strong> the life, times, and works <strong>of</strong> Charles Dickens. Friends <strong>of</strong> the <strong>UC</strong>SC Farm & Garden For over 30 years, this group has raised funds and promoted environment<strong>all</strong>y sound organic gardening and farming through education and outreach. Friends <strong>of</strong> the <strong>UC</strong>SC Library With enthusiasm for books and learning, Friends <strong>of</strong> the <strong>UC</strong>SC Library sponsors events and raises funds <strong>to</strong> enrich the <strong>University</strong> Library collections. Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> Board/Friends <strong>of</strong> Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong> These two groups provide invaluable fundraising and volunteer support for the plays and educational programs <strong>of</strong> Shakespeare <strong>Santa</strong> <strong>Cruz</strong>. <strong>UC</strong>SC Lifelong Learners For anyone who loves learning, <strong>UC</strong>SC Lifelong Learners nourishes people’s intellectual lives through lectures, discussion groups, and field trips. <strong>UC</strong>SC Women’s Club ”W<strong>here</strong> campus and community come <strong>to</strong>gether,“ the club raises scholarship funds for re-entry students and provides a venue for sharing interests. R Interested? C<strong>all</strong> (831) 459-2501 or visit www.ucsc.edu/administration/ ur/friends-groups.html
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