Shrewsbury – N.E.T.Works Productions, Inc. (New Experience Theater) recently chose the Brimfield Tornado Victims Fund, more widely known as the historical Harding Fund, to receive funds raised by their production in March 2012. N.E.T.Works Productions was founded in 1991 as a satellite project to provide an alternative outlet for aspiring thespians and community members.
The Harding Charitable Fund originated from a 1909 donation of $2,000 from the estate of Harriet M. Harding for town residents in need of assistance. Following the tornado of June 1, 2011, the trustees and the selectman agreed that the trust, which operates under the supervision of the town accountant and the town treasurer, would collect and contribute donations for tornado relief.
As of Dec. 31, 2011, the trust had received $58,636 in contributions and assisted 133 owners based on degree of loss. The trustees continue to donate to tornado relief and local causes that benefit the townspeople. They are still accepting donations for tornado relief, made payable to “Town of Brimfield”, attention Harding Fund.
Over the years, N.E.T.Works Productions Inc. has raised tens of thousands of dollars for such organizations as Leukodystrophy Research (Worcester,) Homeless Shelters (Framingham, Shrewsbury), sick children, Seven Hills Foundation (Worcester), Westwinds of Fitchburg, Auburn Fire Dept (imaging camera post Chicago Beef fire), St Joseph Restoration Fund (Worcester) numerous Church organizations, Food banks (Grafton), the Shrewsbury Library Fund, and area senior centers to name a few. A Live theatre production has proven a wonderful medium for raising money and awareness of various causes.
N.E.T.Works continues to grow and now embarks on its newest venture, bringing the Theatre Company to Flannigan Theatre at Southgate of Shrewsbury. Having traveled extensively over the last 20 years carrying sets, lights, costumes and performers to many venues, it seems that NETWorks Productions has finally found a home.
N.E.T.Works Productions can be visited on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/NETWorks-Productions/68250929396.
