Main fundraiser photo

Raise The Roof!

We are the players of the Creative Dramatics Workshop, Inc. (CDW), a nonprofit 501(c)3 focused on community theatre with an emphasis in youth involvement, and we are fundraising for much-needed renovations for the current location of the group: The historic Homer Opera House (HOH) in Homer, Illinois. The most pressing of these concerns is a new roof, but there are many other projects we want to undertake to make the Homer Opera House a more welcoming space.

These past years have been a challenge for us all, but have particularly taken a toll on places like the HOH that depend on income from ticket costs for in-person events. The HOH has not been able to hold an event in almost a year and is having to use its resources to keep the building costs paid rather than continue to improve the building for future use.

     In addition, 2020 brought great sadness in the passing of the CDW’s founder, Robert Picklesimer. Bob, as he was called by CDWers, was the face of the CDW and HOH. He brought tireless energy to his belief in his theatre group and the belief that the HOH could be revitalized into a community center for Homer and a place where the arts could be celebrated.

When the CDW bought the Opera House in 2015, Bob had high hopes for the building, and was passionate about working to preserve the building’s history. Built in 1902, the HOH has been many things over the years, from a dry goods store to a bank to a bowling alley, and, of course, as a performance space in the grand stage upstairs, where on the walls backstage hundreds of people who have performed there have signed their names.

     During the five years the CDW has owned the HOH, many things have been accomplished: musical events, children’s plays, multiple Shakespeare plays, wrestling events, acting classes, art shows, and more. Many renovations have also been started, from re-working electricity, to replacing ceiling tiles, to installing bathrooms. In light of Bob’s death, the CDW community has chosen to continue his work and to continue working to achieve Bob’s vision for the HOH.

     This is only possible with support from you. The building has been shut for almost a year and we have had no income from plays or other events. We are working to find our direction following the passing of our leader, electing new board members and prioritizing what needs to be done. While there is much to be done and figured out, the CDW will take this situation and make something beautiful—for that is the CDW way. We ask that you donate whatever you can, and share this page widely, to help us to honor Bob and to continue his work and legacy. For more information on the CDW/HOH, and to keep up to date with our progress, go to the HOH Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/homeroperahouse
Donate

Donations 

  • Becky Griffin
    • $25 
    • 2 yrs
  • Robin Sahner
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Jackie Sturdyvin
    • $40 
    • 2 yrs
  • Matthew Hales
    • $100 
    • 2 yrs
  • Terra Rumer
    • $10 
    • 2 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Ross Robinson
Organizer
Champaign, IL
Creative Dramatics Workshop Incorporated
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.