LeVar Burton has enlisted his fellow “Star Trek” cast mates Patrick Stewart and William Shatner for future fundraising events to revive the children’s television series “Reading Rainbow.”
Mr. Burton launched his campaign on Kickstarter, an social fundraising website, and he far exceeded his $1 million goal on the first day.
He posted an emotional video to the page after his initial goal had been met.
“I am so proud that this community has come together to support this effort, and it’s a people’s thing. It’s the five [dollars], it’s the 10, it’s the 24. It’s the $1 pledges. It’s unbelievable,” Mr. Burton said, the New York Daily News reported. “Or actually, it’s very believable. Thank you so much. We are literally changing the world, one children’s book at a time. God bless.”
His next goal is to reach $5 million. He had raised nearly $3.7 million by Thursday afternoon.
Supporters who pledge $1,200 or more will get three tickets to see either William Shatner performing at an event in Los Angeles, or Patrick Stewart doing a reading in New York City, the Daily News reported.
Fans can also attend an event with the women of “Star Trek” that includes an appearance from “Orange Is the New Black” star Kate Mulgrew.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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