Spirit Day 2019 - Thank You, Earpers
Dear Earpers,
It’s pretty hard to believe it, but for the third consecutive year in a row, Wynonna Earp fans have raised over $10,000 for GLAAD’s Spirit Day. It’s really wild to think about that fact, especially after a year that saw an unexpected hiatus and fight by the fandom for the show’s life, before ultimately earning a #Win4Wynonna as Season 4 got back on track. As plans started to go in motion for the 2019 campaign, it was hard to predict just what should be expected, and after everything they’d been through, if Earpers would show up as much as they had in the past.Â
Of course, what was I thinking? These are Earpers I’m talking about, and their generosity, enthusiasm, and kindness knows no bounds. Earpers’ #NoChill is made exactly for these types of situations. In less than 12 hours of the campaign going live, Earpers had passed the initial goal of $5,000, and unlocked a great deal of the many prizes that were offered up as donations. You see, that’s the other thing, not only did Earpers donate their money to GLAAD, and help spread the word of the campaign, but we also had so many Earpers volunteer really cool prizes that we can raffle off at the end of everything.Â
As I write this, the Wynonna Earp fandom has now raised over $10,200! What may be an even more telling statistic is that the donations have come from 335 donors and counting. That’s further proof this really was a team effort and took each and every one of us to make this campaign a success. It’s another year where the Spirit Day campaign perfectly encapsulates everything I love about being a part of this fandom. Time and time again, Earpers make the choice to #ChooseKindness and stand up for what’s right, each other, and their community. It makes me feel very grateful and very proud to call myself an Earper, so much so that I wanted to take a quick moment to say “thank you!”
In addition to everyone that donated to the campaign thus far, I’d like say thank you again to Paige and the amazing people at Seven24 Films. For the second year in a row, they’ve gathered up some really cool items from the show and donated for use in our campaign. Also for the second year, TV writer Rachel Langer reached out with an awesome prize for future writers. Rachel doesn’t even write for Wynonna but continues to be touched by the kindness of this fandom. Thank you as well to the amazing conventions that stepped up and offered prizes: Earp Expo, Earpapalooza, Earp Division Expo, and QFX Events. You were all so generous and jumped right in when asked about contributing to the campaign. I’d also like to thank each and every Earper who stepped forth to give a prize so willingly when we called for donations. You all showed what big hearts you have and are going to make some fellow Earpers very happy with the prizes you’re offering up.
I’d like to send a special thank you again this year to showrunner Emily Andras and her team of Wynonna Earp writers. Not only is Emily donating a signed script for one lucky donor, but the writers are going to once again name a Season 4 character after a donor! Due to the halt in production last year, that means there will be TWO Season 4 characters named after people who gave to these Spirit Day campaigns. The kindness and generosity shown by everyone in helping to make this campaign a success really blew me away.
I’d also be remiss to not make mention of the team that helped plan, organize, and run this year’s Spirit Day alongside me. There’s a lot of work that goes into making sure the campaign, prizes, social media, etc. were all ready to go come October 17. I was very lucky to have a great group of friends step up and offer their services, lend an ear, and offer feedback on how to make the campaign as best as it possibly could be. So I want to send a big “thank you” to: Valerie Anne, Monica, Marcie, Megan, and Ash. Thank you for all the hard work, social media skills, artistic talents, and time you put in to make this a success once again this year.Â
I think it’s always important to note too, that even if you weren’t able to donate to the campaign, but maybe just spread the word for us, thank you for that as well. Getting the message out there and talking about the campaign means so much, and we really appreciated the help. These campaigns are always a joint effort, and the fact that the fandom always does this together makes it all the more enjoyable. We truly is the team.
While I’m a little premature in writing this, given that the 2019 campaign isn’t quite over yet, I wanted to be sure to get the message out there. However, the campaign will indeed remain open for 8 more days until the end of October. So if you’ve not contributed yet, but still want to help and get a chance at the awesome prize giveaways, then you’re in luck. You’ve still got plenty of time!
Earpers, you continue to make the world a better place just by being you. Please never stop and always keep fighting. We so need the good that you are all putting out into the world. I hope this Spirit Day campaign proves once again that kindness is contagious, heroes do always win, and that everyone has the right to be exactly who they are. Thank you, Earpers. You’re simply the best.Â
With much love,
Bridget Liszewski
NOTE: The Wynonna Earp Fandom Spirit Day 2019 campaign is in no way affiliated with Wynonna Earp, IDW or NBC Entertainment.