SciFiAndTvTalk

Sanctuary For Kids Launches Its Second Online Auction

The not-for-profit foundation Sanctuary for Kids, founded by TV Actor/Executive Producer Amanda Tapping, will host its second online auction, Thursday, April 15th 2010 starting @ 4:00 p.m. PST and running until April 25th , 2010 @ 4:00 p.m. PST on eBay. Funds raised from the auction of exclusive TV experiences and props will go to Sanctuary for Kids, which supports local and international charities providing vital aid to children and youth in crisis. Up for bids is a walk-on role on the Vancouver-shot TV series Sanctuary, a Skype chat with lead actors Amanda Tapping and Robin Dunne, and the Jade idol from the episode Pavor Nocturnus, which when touched by the character of Dr. Helen Magnus (played by Tapping), triggered her transport to a nightmarish future.

Sanctuary for Kids was inspired by the Sci-Fi television series Sanctuary. The foundation's goal is to harness the tremendous and supportive Sci-Fi community and provide access to rare and experience-based online auction items from Sanctuary to raise funds for children's charities. The first auction, which took place in November 2009, raised $13,600 and since its inception just five months ago, Sanctuary for Kids has raised nearly$65,000 through its initiatives.

"The support and generosity of the Sci-Fi community and of the Sanctuary fans in just these first few months has been outstanding...and humbling," commented Amanda Tapping. "We all know how influential television is. We have access to millions of people around the world who watch our show. I feel very strongly that in this industry, it is our responsibility to use this influence and reach in a much more meaningful way. And I'm thrilled at the response to Sanctuary for Kids so far - I'm really proud to be involved in this project and I applaud our fans for responding so enthusiastically."

For more information on Sanctuary for Kids, the children being supported by S4K and upcoming auctions, please visit www.sanctuaryforkids.org

Amanda Tapping Launches Sanctuary For Kids

TELEVISION actor and executive producer Amanda Tapping has announced the launch of a new not-for-profit foundation, Sanctuary for Kids (S4K) that will support local and international charities providing vital aid to children and youth in crisis. Sanctuary for Kids was inspired by the Sci-Fi TV series Sanctuary, for which Amanda Tapping is executive producer and series lead actor. The foundation will harness the tremendous and supportive Sci-Fi community and provide access to rare and experience-based online auction items from Sanctuary to raise funds for children's charities. The first auction will take place November 12th - 22nd, 2009. S4K was founded by Tapping, Jill Bodie (B.E.D., M.S.W.) and Damian Kindler (executive producer and creator of Sanctuary) through their mutual association with the television series. All three serve as Directors for Sanctuary for Kids. In order to enable 100% of the funds raised to go to the children's charities, Bodie is donating all of her time and resource costs as administrator for the foundation, and Tapping and Kindler are personally covering all administrative and start-up costs. "We all feel very lucky and honored to be able to do jobs we love with people we love in this industry," explains Tapping. "Jill, Damian and I all felt a very strong desire and real responsibility to do something with the reach and audience we have through Sanctuary and the Sci-Fi community. We didn't want to waste the influence that the series has, or the meaningful connections we personally have made with so many people around the world." Continues Jill Bodie, Director, Sanctuary for Kids, "This is an initiative that is based on relationships and working as a community at large. It's about doing something very real and tangible for children and youth who desperately need protection. Sci-Fi fans are so connected and loyal - we will be relying on their connectivity and passion to help spread the word about the work we're doing." Adds Damian Kindler, executive producer/creator, Sanctuary, "Ultimately, we want to set an example and make charitable giving and outreach a standard practice in the television and entertainment industry. We all feel that it would be irresponsible to ignore that influence." Sanctuary for Kids will host three auctions throughout the year selling "priceless" items as well as meet and greet opportunities with Sanctuary actors and producers. The first auction will take place November 12th - 22nd, 2009, with such items as a behind-the-scenes set tour and lunch with Amanda Tapping, a personal Skype chat with executive producers Amanda Tapping, Damian Kindler and Martin Wood, a well-known prop used in the series (sonic stunner), as well as an opportunity to name a new character in the show. Sanctuary for Kids has chosen the Nepal Orphans Home and Watari's TTIP (Transitioning to Independence Program) and TIPPY (Transitioning to Independence Program for Parenting Youth) Programs to launch the foundation. The Nepal Orphans Home (www.nepalorphanshome.org) attends to the welfare of children in Nepal who are orphaned, abandoned or not supported by their parents. Watari's Programs (www.watari.org) work with the homeless youth population in Vancouver to help stabilize single, pregnant and parenting youth in safe, affordable housing and encourages commitment to their treatment plans. For more information on Sanctuary for Kids and upcoming auctions, visit www.sanctuaryforkids.org