Those involved in fandom can be incredibly generous. Just take a look at Penny Arcade’s “Child’s Play” charity as an example, or perhaps the blood drives run by San Diego Comic-Con and Dragon*con. Fan groups all over the country are involved in charity work, whether it’s a once a year toy drive, or a continuous commitment to doing good works.

Once such charitable fandom organization is called Costumers With a Cause (CWC), which has recently been getting some attention for its unique and heartfelt efforts. The CWC is a group of dedicated costumers, cosplayers, and fans who try to bring a little happiness and laughter to the less fortunate, or help charitable organizations raise money. Alltern8.com recently had a chance to talk to one of the members of the CWC, Megan Taylor, and learn what this charity group is all about.
Alltern8: First, can you tell me who founded the organization, and when? Is it a registered non-profit, or just an informal group at this time?

Megan Taylor of CWC: Costumers With a Cause (CWC) was founded through the efforts of several friends, from several different charity and costuming groups. We decided to put our energy and time together in order to make a greater difference in the communities where we reside. As separate groups and individuals, we have been participating in charity events for years, but CWC was officially founded in 2009. All of the organizations that we are currently working with are non-profit, however we are looking into the possibility and necessity of become a non-profit organization of our own.

Alltern8: What is the organization's mission statement and primary purpose?

CWC: Our mission is to work together with children's charity organizations and events that promote community growth, unity, and hope for every child's future. Together we believe that a world of difference can be made with a smile, photo or a single hello. It is our goal to utilize our talents to the best of our abilities in order to make a child's day brighter. We are dedicated to creating top notch quality costumes, and using these costumes to promote charitable organizations, attend hospital visits, and help raise funding for worthy and needy charities.