A Standing Ovation Birthday

Why a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser for Carrollwood Players Theatre Makes a Big Difference

by Jim Russell, CWP Managing Director

When I walked in the door at Carrollwood Players nearly 20 years ago, I knew immediately this place had the potential to become my home away from home.

After a decade-long hiatus from theatre, I found myself in a rut—pursuing a corporate career that I loved, but one that left little room for creativity. Before I knew it, I was on stage in It’s a Wonderful Life. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Back then—when Facebook was still only a few years old—CWP was just beginning to figure out how to use it to get the word out to the community about all of our great activities. So I volunteered to help create and run the Facebook page.

As a volunteer first, then a board member, and now in my 8th year as CWP’s Managing Director, I’ve learned a lot about the ins and outs of the giant social media behemoth we all love… and sometimes don’t.

Yet for all those years, I never fully grasped how an individual who loves CWP can harness the power of Facebook to support the great community theatre so many of us think of as “home.” Until my birthday last month.

When you’re as old as me, you don’t really want presents anymore. So instead, I asked my friends and family to consider making a donation to CWP through Facebook. A few clicks later, I had my first personal Facebook birthday fundraiser for Carrollwood Players Theatre set up.

Not long after, I received a notification that CWP had received just shy of $700 as a result of the generosity of my personal Facebook community. Pretty cool.

Like many of my friends, I don’t have a million dollars in the bank—but I really wanted to do something meaningful for the theatre. A bunch of people who care about me and about CWP came together to make that happen. Proof that “many hands make light work” and that truly, “no gift is too small.”

Birthdays come with cake, candles, and (let’s be honest) a few things we don’t really need. But what if this year, your birthday could do something more? What if it could help keep the magic of live theatre alive right here in our community?

That’s where a Facebook birthday fundraiser for Carrollwood Players Theatre comes in.

Why a Birthday Fundraiser?

If you’ve ever laughed in our audience, applauded a cast member you know, volunteered backstage, or felt that unmistakable thrill when the lights go down and the curtain goes up—then you already understand why community theatre matters.

Carrollwood Players Theatre isn’t just a building or a stage. It’s:

• A creative home for young people discovering their confidence
• A welcoming space for older adults chasing a lifelong dream
• A place where friendships form, stories are told, and the community comes together
  

Running a community theatre takes a lot—sets, costumes, lights, scripts, royalties, education programs, and simply keeping the doors open for everyone. Even small donations make a real impact.

And birthdays? They’re the perfect moment to ask friends and family to help support something meaningful to you.

Facebook Makes It Easy

The beauty of a Facebook birthday fundraiser is how simple it is—for you and for the people who donate.

• No awkward asks
• No handling money
• No pressure
  

Just a gentle nudge that says:

“Hey, instead of a gift, I’d love your help supporting a place I care about.”

People want to do something kind on your birthday—and Facebook makes it almost effortless.

How to Set Up Your Birthday Fundraiser (It Takes 2 Minutes)

Here’s how easy it is:

1. Go to your Facebook profile
2. Click Fundraisers
3. Choose Nonprofit
4. Search for Carrollwood Players
5. Set your birthday as the end date
6. Add a short personal message (this part matters!)
   

That’s it. Facebook handles the rest.

What to Say (Keep It Real)

You don’t need to write a novel. A few honest sentences go a long way. Something like:

“For my birthday this year, I’m raising money for Carrollwood Players Theatre—a place that brings live theatre, creativity, and community to so many people. If you’ve ever enjoyed a show or believe in the arts, I’d love your support.”

Personal = powerful.

Every Gift Is a Curtain Call

One of the best parts? These fundraisers add up. A few $10 or $20 gifts from friends can help fund our productions, support new education programs we want to pursue, or ensure that live theatre remains accessible to everyone in our community.

Your birthday becomes more than a celebration—it becomes an investment in creativity, connection, and storytelling.

CWP needs extra support as we head into our historic 45th year of bringing great live theatre for all to our beloved Tampa community. Expenses are rising—from higher royalty costs to an unprecedented 35%+ increase in our rent—making grassroots support more important than ever.

Celebrate another year of you… by helping CWP continue to thrive.

You don’t need to make a big personal donation if that’s not possible. But you can become an ambassador for what we do by highlighting this great cause on your birthday.

By the way, if you decide to do this, let me know. I’ll share your fundraiser and I’ll make a contribution to it.

From all of us at Carrollwood Players Theatre—thank you for being part of the magic.

Click Here to Set Up Your CWP Birthday Fundraiser on Facebook.

Prefer to give a year-end gift to help us celebrate our 45th anniversary? Learn about our special 45/145 campaign HERE.