Members of the Donna Reed Foundation in Denison are hoping the new lottery ticket featuring the movie "It’s a Wonderful Life" will bring more attention to their work. The foundation was formed after Reed died of Cancer in 1986 and encourages young actors with scholarships. The foundation also hosts an annual performing arts festival with workshops, and supports other cultural activities.
The lottery ticket features Reed and actor Jimmy Stewart from their roles of George and Mary Bailey in the movie "It’s a Wonderful Life." Foundation boardmember Roy Voggesser says the ticket will shine the spotlight back on Reed and the foundation.
Vogesser says they feel it is a wonderful life in Denison and all of Iowa. Voggesser says the movie’s message of a couple struggling with money problems and getting help from their friends, still holds true today. Vogesser says the Donna Reed Foundation tries to do what it can to continue helping those who have the dream that Reed had.
Vogesser says that’s why they have the workshops in the performing arts each June, as it is the foundation’s mission. The "It’s a Wonderful Life" tickets are now on sale and the Iowa Lottery is also holding a contest in December to find George and Mary Bailey look-alikes.