Support for the 18 recently terminated VG Staff
Donation protected
Funds will be EQUALLY distributed across the 8 full-time AND 10 part-time staff of Victory Gardens, terminated on September 7, 2022, regardless of tenure or position.
"Victory Gardens Theater ("Victory Gardens" or "VGT") terminates your employment effective September 7, 2022. The termination is part of a general reduction in workforce due to the lack of business and operational needs, and a change in VGT's business model such that your current position has been eliminated."
On Wednesday, September 7, 2022, two days after Labor Day, all remaining employees of Victory Gardens Theater were terminated.
We are reaching out to our community for financial support as we begin the process of finding new jobs while mourning the loss of an institution we fought tooth and nail for. Money raised here will support people who live paycheck to paycheck, have children to support (including one pregnant staff member), and who do not have strong financial safety nets for this situation. We are also losing our health insurance coverage, which will inevitably lead to additional expenses as new plans are explored.
How did we get here? Some additional resources to catch you up:
- Chicago Reader
- New York Times
- LA Times
- American Theatre Magazine
- Statement from Ken-Matt Martin, recently-terminated Artistic Director
- Statement from Victory Gardens' resigned Resident Artists
- Our petition with nearly 2,000 signatures vowing not to work at Victory Gardens unless the current Board of Directors resigns alongside a peaceful transition of power.
- All articles are posted via our Instagram to bypass paywalls
This fundraiser is under Sammy Brown's account; a full-time staff member also terminated on September 7.
Thank you for your support!
1. Who you are
- Samuel Brown, recently terminated full-time staff member at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, IL. This account is in support of myself and the remaining 17 employees of Victory Gardens Theater that were terminated on September 7, 2022.
2. Where you're from
- Chicago, IL.
3. Your relationship to the parties you're raising funds for
- A fellow colleague of a group of 18 people total, including me. This account is in support of myself and the remaining 17 employees of Victory Gardens Theater that were terminated on September 7, 2022.
4. How the funds will be used (please be specific as possible)
- All 18 people will receive an Equal sum from the campaign after GoFundMe fees are deducted. Money will be deposited into an account owned by Samuel Brown and distributed individually from there. Confirmation receipts from each recipient will be sent along with the final update to all donors to ensure accountability.
5. If you intend to withdraw the funds to your own bank account, how you plan to send the funds to the parties you're raising funds for or use the funds on their behalf
- I have provided transfer options via paper check, Venmo, Zelle, and Paypal to all colleagues. Each person is providing credentials for their preferred transfer method.
Organizer
Samuel Brown
Organizer
Chicago, IL
