Hi there!

We’re Margie Butcher, teacher, community leader, and creator of Chautauqua's 3rd grade Pen Pal program, and Rich Hazzard, Director of Vashon Film Institute — and we’re so glad you’re here.

We’re inviting you to support this special project.

Write Back Soon is a documentary short film about a unique, intentionally analog pen pal program that connects island 3rd graders with island elders through handwritten letters. In a world of screens and scrolling, It slows things down and creates space for listening, reflection, curiosity, and genuine human connection — one letter at a time. It’s a portrait of what happens when generations reach toward one another with openness and heart.

Write Back Soon captures this beautiful exchange on film. The documentary follows the journey of these 50 penpal pairs — from words on the page to voices on the screen — revealing moments of joy, vulnerability, laughter, and unexpected kinship, culminating when they finally meet in person after months of letter writing.

Now in its fourth year, we’re ready to share this island story more widely.

About the Filmmakers:

· Executive Producer = Vashon Film Institute

· Produced by Rich Hazzard

· Directed by Margie Butcher

· Cinematography by Todd Pearson

· Edited by Gator Lanphear

· Supported by dozens of island professionals and volunteers

Our fundraising goal

Help us raise the needed funds to bring this intergenerational story to the screen and to communities anywhere.

This is a 10-month documentary project that began in October 2025. 100% of funds raised will be used by Vashon Film Institute to support the following 3 phases:

-Pre-Production (planning, coordination)

-Production (filming, equipment, crew)

-Post-Production (editing, screenings*):

(This is not a Vashon School District fundraiser)

*Premier screening at the 5th annual Vashon International Film Festival August 13, 2026.

Vashon Film Institute is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

EIN = 88-2782019

PO Box 1641

Vashon, WA 98070

Any donation is meaningful in support of this cause...and is tax deductible!

Every gift helps turn handwritten letters into a living story about empathy, belonging, and connection across generations.

Thank you for believing in slow storytelling, intergenerational connection, and the simple power of pen, paper, and heart. We’re so grateful to have you along on this journey.

(No promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe campaign.)

If you have any questions about donating contact Rich Hazzard at the Vashon Film Institute.

The Project Beneficiaries