A Message to Polk County, Florida

I'm Luke Riether, founder of Light Inside Cinema Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit production company based right here in Lake Wales.

I'm not asking for charity. I'm asking Polk County to invest in its veterans.

THE GAP NOBODY IS FILLING

There are over twenty one thousand working-age veterans in Polk County. When they transition out of the military, most get funneled toward logistics, nursing, law enforcement, skilled trades. Good careers. But not the only careers.

There is not a single program in this county that helps veterans break into creative industries.

Not one.

No film training. No media mentorship. No pathway into the arts.

Meanwhile, the cultural arts in Polk County generate thirty five million dollars in economic impact every year. Veterans are locked out of that economy.

Light Inside Cinema exists to change that.

WHAT WE ARE BUILDING

We are producing the first of many short films called True North.

But this is not really about the movie though. It is about who makes it.

Every crew position on this production is filled by a veteran. Camera. Sound. Lighting. Production. All of it.

Veterans who want to learn filmmaking are getting trained on a real set. Not in a classroom. Not watching tutorials. Doing the actual work.

When we wrap, they walk away with portfolio material they can use to get hired.

This is not a workshop that ends in six weeks. This is a repeatable model.

Train veterans. Build portfolios. Create pathways to paid work.

WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND JOBS

The Wounded Warrior Project found that creative expression is one of the most effective ways for veterans to process trauma.

Programs like Vets Create in Daytona have shown that veterans in art programs experience real improvements in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

Creative work is not a luxury for veterans.

For some of us, it is survival.

Polk County has programs for veteran employment. Programs for veteran health. Programs for veteran housing.

But nothing for veterans who need to create.

We are filling that gap.

WHAT YOUR DONATION FUNDS

Fifteen thousand dollars covers:

FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

If you own a business in Polk County, this is your opportunity to invest in veterans and the local creative economy at the same time.

Your sponsorship puts your name behind a production that:

Trains veterans for careers in a growing industry Keeps creative talent in Polk County instead of losing it to Tampa or Orlando Demonstrates that this community supports its veterans beyond just words.

Sponsorship levels and recognition opportunities are available. Reach out directly and let's talk about how your business can be part of this.

FOR INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Five dollars helps. Twenty dollars helps. A hundred dollars helps.

If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign helps more than you know.

Put it in front of a business owner. Put it in front of someone who cares about veterans. Every share gets us closer.

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

True North follows a thirteen-year-old boy who lost his father and is struggling to accept his stepfather. When a traumatic event pulls him into something bigger than himself, he faces fear, grief, and the question we all eventually ask.

Who am I becoming now? It is a grounded story. Quiet. Emotional. Honest. And it is being made by veterans who are asking that same question.

We had the honor of meeting the Commissioner of Haines City and he owns a location in Winter Haven, FL who is allowing us to use this old warehouse building for the filmset. Check this location out.

THE ASK

Fifteen thousand dollars by February sixteenth.

That is what it takes to make this first one happen.

Polk County has always taken care of its own.

Now we are asking you to take care of us.

Donate. Share. Sponsor.

Help us prove what veterans can do when someone gives them the opportunity.

Thank you for being here.

Luke Riether Founder,

Light Inside Cinema Inc.

www.lightinside.tv