Did you hear about the seventeen year old who won the lottery and it supposedly ruined her life? So, now she is suing her state’s lottery commission because she thinks no one her age should be allowed to buy a lottery ticket? Give me a break.
True confession: I’ve never purchased a lottery ticket in my life. A few times they’ve been given to me as presents, but even then I had a difficult time knowing quite what to do with it. I know…..you think I’m weird.
I HATE to waste money, especially on chance. I probably waste enough money as it is–have you ever seen my refrigerator’s vegetable bin? Talk about a waste of money!
However, if I won the lottery I do have a few idea of the ways in which I’d spend it. I would take care of the usual things you’d expect– Pay off all debts we have left. Set aside monies for our children and future grandchildren.
I’m hoping we’ll get our act together in the US and make state colleges and universities tuition free. In case that doesn’t occur, I’d gift money to our children to take care of any expenses incurred during their college life.
I’d donate to worthy causes such as not for profit organizations that are fighting unending challenges. I think clean water and air, safe food to eat, inexpensive medications, secure neighborhoods and cities, properly equipped hospitals, police and fire departments and public libraries are essential.
Here’s the biggie, though…..
After that, I would build small community theaters across the country. I’m serious, here. As you know, I’m keenly interested in sustaining the arts at any cost. I think every part of the country needs one.
Think of the good a theatre can bring to a community…not only for entertainment’s sake, but a place to explore social issues through the written word. Many our current problems could be discussed through a stage play. Maybe we would get something ironed out and resolved.
Of course, these theaters would need equipment such as sound, lights, props, set pieces, costumes, box office and publicity. I’d give each theatre an endowment so they could learn how to budget the money in a wise manner. Occasionally, I’d review the company and award money as I saw fit.
The youth theatre programs would need some help (for scholarships and materials). I’d love to see throngs of kids involved in a youth theatre program after school rather than walking around town bored.
I promise you, if a kids gets involved in a theatre program, they’ll love it and never be bored. They’ll find their place within its walls. Not everyone wants to be a performer. Maybe a student would become interested in lighting design? Maybe the kids who participate in an after school theatre program visit children in hospitals?
Let’s not forget programs for our seniors (transportation to the performances), too. Many senior citizens are looking for experiences and hobbies to occupy their time. A community theatre with a strong program for seniors would be such help to them.
Creativity and imagination don’t atrophy or age. I know of a group of “vintage players” who travel to area care centers and perform for the residents. I think the performers get just as much of a thrill out of performing as the residents do of the performance. It’s a win-win.
Yes, if I won the lottery I’d save the world through theatre. What a kick in the pants it would be?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Contact me at dhcbaldwin@gmail.com or visit my website at DeborahBaldwin.net
