http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/jul/26legwrk.htmFilmFest is 'one-woman show'
Donors prefer to remain anonymous
Genie Aldrich: "This is grassroots funded. I'm not going to any grants or out-of-town corporations."
TRAVERSE CITY - The Texas-based American Film Renaissance is sponsoring the Traverse Bay Freedom FilmFest, but founder Genie Aldrich said it is supported locally. AFR's role is to serve as the nonprofit entity through which financial support is being channeled, she and AFR's Jim Hubbard said. Aldrich said she has received donations of money, materials and services from individuals and businesses in Traverse City.
Most want to remain anonymous. The only one she could identify was Knorr Marketing, which she said is donating public relations and marketing services. "I'd say our major lightning rod has been Doug Knorr Marketing, helping set up our logo, our theme," she said. No admission is being charged for those attending the Freedom Film Fest films. Aldrich had estimated the total cost of her festival at $13,000 to $18,000. Donations were between $12,000 and $15,000 as of Friday, she said.
"I have a P.O. box and all of that," she said, adding that all of the money for her festival will come from Traverse City. "I'm only canvassing Traverse City," she said. "This is grassroots funded. I'm not going to any grants or out-of-town corporations." Aldrich has a small committee that calls itself "the heartlanders." It meets weekly to plan, with six joining Aldrich to attend last week. However, she said she's been doing most of the legwork herself.
"Right now it's a one-woman show here except for the crew that is meeting with me every week," she said Friday. Her friend and cofounder Cheryl Rhoads has since arrived from California. AFR's Hubbard is flying in later this week. Aldrich also said she has about 150 people lined up to volunteer.
See Related Stories:
Traverse Bay Freedom Filmfest: 'Mainstream' against 'extremist' - July 26, 2005 -
http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/jul/26filmfest.htmTC Film Fest movies AFR objects to - July 26, 2005 -
http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/jul/26object.htmComing back to her roots: Aldrich motivated by Moore's politics - July 25, 2005 -
http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/jul/25freefest.htmAFR Freedom FilmFest opens next Friday - July 22, 2005 -
http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/jul/22freefest.htmConservatives offer alternate film festival - July 7, 2005 -
http://www.record-eagle.com/2005/jul/07film.htm===============
Hmmmmmm......this seems very ripe for some DU investigative reporting. Follow the money.