Slay-a-thon is an annual Whedonverse charity event running since 2003 in Chicago. The event raises money for the Make-A-Wish foundation by viewing a 12-hour marathon of Joss Whedon's work. Can't think of a better way to do it! This year's event will be this coming Saturday, June 25th. If you're in the Chicago area, definitely stop by. It's free and if you get a someone to sponsor your Buffy viewing, you'll be helping an amazing cause.
We had the great opportunity to chat with organizer Kelly Creamer about the event, the Whedonverse and other things. Check it out:
Buffyfest: You've helped raise over $110,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation and granted 18 wishes to children with health problems. What made you choose this cause?
Kelly Creamer: I chose the MAW Foundation because the instant reward coming from it. We generally know exactly which kids will be getting there wishes prior to the event. Sometimes we even get to pick the children. It is one of the great rewards to see the kids get the wishes and usually we have a family come speak about their experience which makes most of us cry!
Buffyfest: Why
Buffy?
KC: The world of Buffy & Angel along with Dr. Horrible has such a huge devotion that since I already had the devotion myself why not use it for the good of the world.
Buffyfest: How has your experience been with the many Whedonverse stars who have donated items for auction?
KC: Every one on all the shows including Firefly has been nothing but a dream to work with and some I have developed friendships with as a result. You could not ask for better people! Joss has been especially supportive and donates amazing things for our auctions.
Buffyfest: Now, since the Slay-a-thon event is based mostly on the pure joy of watching Buffy episodes, it sounds a lot like our own Buffyfest parties, but for a great cause. We're wondering if like our Buffyfest, no one actually watches the episodes but instead loudly and annoyingly discuss Willow's sweaters or argue about the minutia of how Angel/Spike's soul works over the entirety of the thing, thus missing the whole episode?
KC: Actually everyone who attends are fans and very respectful of the new fans attending. The only time people really sound out is during the musicals which they sing like crazy.
Buffyfest: Oh, it's just us then?
Well, how do you decide which episodes to watch?
KC: We actually
post on our website slayathon.org a voting section to let the attendees decide but we have some that just are in no matter what!
Buffyfest: Cool. Finally, who is your favorite Whedonverse character and why?
KC: Buffy is truly my fave as she stands for so much to me. I think she is equal to being a human struggling in a world that is not always what you would hope it to be. She gives me hope and strength to get through the bad times! I tattooed her on my shoulder along with the logo, our logo and the hardest thing in this world is to live in it! I miss her everyday and can't wait for more comics and goodies to come out!
The deets:
This year's 9th Annual Slay-A-Thon and Make-A-Wish Foundation Benefit
Saturday, June 25, 2011
11:30 AM - Midnight
Dave & Buster's Gold Coast - Showroom
1030 N. Clark Street (Clark at Oak)
Chicago, Illinois
