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Press release - September 7, 2007

Spread the Joy Begins!

The Foundation of Joy (FOJ) is happy to announce their recent visit to the Greater Cincinnati Boys and Girls Club in the inner city neighborhood of Over-The-Rhine.  Cast and crew from the movie JOY made a stop at the club on behalf of FOJ.  The crew was working just a few blocks away, shooting a scene for the movie at the historic Findlay Market.  A few dozen members of the cast and crew decided to fore go lunch and instead walked through 100-degree temperatures to make an important delivery to the club.  The actors, actresses, costume designers, grips, gaffers and extras came bearing boxes of art supplies.  The 6 to 18 year old participants of the club will use the paint, markers, crayons, paper, clay, cameras and other supplies.  FOJ chose the Boys and Girls Club for a donation because of their comparable missions.  

”The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati's mission is to create hope, opportunity and foster civic engagement by enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” The clubs do this for nearly 9,000 children in the Greater Cincinnati area each year by providing and supportive environment and fostering a sense of competence, belonging, usefulness and power. 

Boys and Girls club administrator Amy Leroux added, “Your gift of art supplies will help foster the creativity of our Members and their participation in our Fine Arts Exhibit and National Photography Contest at our LeBlond Club in Over-the-Rhine. Thank you! We hope you come visit us again.”  The JOY crew got a special surprise during the visit from one of their very own crewmembers.  Costume designer and supervisor Donny McFinley of Casablanca Costumes surprised everyone by sharing a story of the tremendous impact the Boys and Girls Club had on his life, and fostering his love for art and design.  In fact, McFinley had been a member of the very same club they were visiting.  There were a few tears as McFinley reminisced about taking art class at the club, and just reveling in the support he received there.  The cast and crew were then taken on a tour of the club. 

  The visit was special for everyone involved.  Joy actress and director and Foundation of Joy board member Julie Marie Hassett added this would not be the last visit FOJ makes to the Boys and Girls Club.  In fact, Hassett hopes FOJ can continue to provide support.  Hassett said of the clubs” the club's continued dedication and invaluable work is an inspiration to the community. It's a special place--a place of hope and promise. Each child has such a chance to thrive, learn, and grow with opportunity and confidence.  That is a specific mission of the Foundation of Joy” 

Stacey Walsh

Publicity, Red Love Film- joy

513-708-8383