ORLANDO | Greater Orlando Performing Arts Relief, also known as GOPAR, surpassed its fundraising goal of $100,000 in donations the organization announced in a press release May 19. The funds are granted to eligible Central Florida performing arts workers, including onstage, backstage, production and management roles, according to organizers.
“Donations ranging from $10 to $10,000 have come from a wide variety of community members including arts lovers and patrons, corporate executives, and church members,” said Chris Brown, executive director of the Orlando Repertory Theatre and a GOPAR steering committee member.
With the pandemic abruptly canceling events and shutting down stages, many arts and entertainment industry professionals were left unemployed. Thanks to the community and their contributions to GOPAR, many of those out of work or even just behind on payments are looked after in the Central Florida area.
“We are thankful for every single one, because we still see a lot of need out there. Even many of those that are back to work, now that events and performances are making a comeback, are behind on mortgages, college tuition payments, and medical bills. GOPAR was launched to help bridge those gaps,” Brown said.
In partnership with St. Luke’s UMC in southwest Orlando, applicants are eligible to receive other services including mental health counseling and resume assistance.
GOPAR officially launched Sept. 4 with a virtual fundraising event highlighting “local performances and insight to the arts community’s activities during the COVID-19 Crisis.” GOPAR began as the Social Distance Showcase Series, launched in the spring of 2020 by local theatre leaders Kenny Howard, Rich Charron and Michael Wanzie.
GOPAR organizers will have a community tent set up at the Orlando Fringe Festival on select dates to provide information and collect donations. Donors who contribute $20.00 or more will receive a GOPAR tote bag, while supplies last.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit GOPAR’s website to complete a short, confidential application to start the qualification process. For more information on GOPAR or to complete an application, go to GOPAR.org.
