Send Paul & Britt Help Beyond Hugs

The silent/classic comedy/film community, though spread across the planet, is ultimately a tight one. And the whole point of community is to take care of each other. At the moment, two of our own could use our help.

As with so many of us, Covid had already taken its toll on our good friends, Paul Gierucki, and Brittany Jane Valente. Work dried up; Paul's studio was closed, and Britt’s dance and fitness classes dwindled. And as months stretched into over a year, they they not only quietly persevered, but also never stopped working to entertain us, in the hope that our sharing in the storytelling we all love would provide some welcome distraction and relief from the ongoing uncertainty and struggle we’ve also all been sharing. 

What Happened...

But just as a pinprick of light finally appeared at the end of the tunnel, and a thrilled Paul finally returned to work at his studio two weeks ago, a one-two sucker punch of unbelievable proportions hit from out of the blue. A freak pedestrian accident sent him to the hospital for ten terrifying and exhausting days for them both, where he underwent several serious surgeries that will require a lengthy recovery. Then on the very day she brought Paul home to heal, Britt’s mom (and closest friend in the world) died suddenly — an unexpected new tragedy that would bring even the toughest among us to their knees.

What Would Really Help...

So many people have been asking how they can help these two out. And while the amazing outpouring of support they’ve received, both online and otherwise, has unquestionably helped reinforce their inherent inner strength, we all may be able to offer something even more practical. Let’s kick up our good thoughts a notch to good deeds, and “buy” them some much needed breathing room — the ability to mourn, recuperate, regroup, and begin take care of not only their hospital bills, but also the many high-cost realities that come with a family member’s passing, with at least a little less stress about how to materially manage to make all of that happen.

This is our chance to tangibly help two wonderful friends who find themselves in the worst of bad circumstances, in a time already too filled with them. Whatever you can give will be more than appreciated. And if you’re not in a position to give (we absolutely realize how hard Covid has hit so many of us, in so many ways), that’s absolutely okay too. Just please do what you can to spread word about this effort.

Thank you for your generosity, and support.