Behind the Scenes Announces Inaugural Ghostlight Group

	Ghostlight groups are volunteer led groups that gather to raise money for Behind the Scenes through an event or activity of shared interest.

Behind the Scenes announces the launch of its new affinity fundraising initiative, Ghostlight Groups. The program, created in effort to raise awareness and funds to benefit the charity, seeks to honor the importance of community and volunteerism in our industry.

Ghostlight groups are volunteer led groups that gather to raise money for Behind the Scenes through an event or activity of shared interest. Groups may choose an activity like skiing, golfing, or quilting. They might hold a regular meeting of a book club, or monthly movie nights. Ghostlight Group's events or activities can be anything people do in their precious spare time. The decision of what is left to those organizing the group, but more important is that those volunteers have a why; an affinity for the BTS mission, and a desire to create community.

The Rocky Mountain Ghostlight Riders (RMGR) became the charity's first Ghostlight Group with their inaugural "Deadwood Run" motorcycle ride earlier this month. The ride, which took off from the Denver Performing Arts Complex rode nearly 400 miles to the town of Deadwood, South Dakota for which the ride was named. Heavy rains kept the group from their initial destination of Badlands National Park, but the RMGR enjoyed visiting the many attractions in the town before heading back to Denver. RMGR traversed over 700 miles of scenic beauty for the weekend in support of Behind the Scenes. RMGR group organizer Mark Heiser notes, "To me there's nothing better than getting out on the motorcycle, rain or shine. It's a bonus to be raising money for a good cause. My hope for the Ghostlight Groups is that others can gather up their friends and colleagues and do what they love to do, while raising money and awareness for Behind the Scenes."

The Rocky Mountain Ghostlight Riders would like to thank their ride sponsors, ASM Global and IASTE Local 7. With the support of these sponsors and their many generous donors RMGR was able to raise $7,575 to benefit Behind the Scenes. These funds assist in the charity's work, which provides financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured and tools and resources for mental health and wellness. IATSE Local 7 Business Representative, Max Peterson detailed the Local's motivation for sponsoring the ride, "IATSE Local 7 is grateful for the help BTS has given to our members and the thousands of members throughout the IATSE who qualify for support. The services that BTS provides extend far beyond financial, and our members are pleased to support the continuation of these vital and necessary programs."

For additional information about Behind the Scenes or if you are interested in forming your own Ghostlight Group, visit www.btshelp.org/ghostlightgroups or email ghostlightgroups@btshelp.org.