'Grinch' theater patrons gave generously in spirit of season

Photos by Taslim Sidi for The Boston GlobeStefan Karl, fully bedecked as Dr. Seuss' Grinch, stood backstage at the Wang Theatre at the Citi Performing Arts Center before a show last month. (Photos by Taslim Sidi for The Boston Globe)

The Grinch may have taken over the Wang Theater at the Citi Performing Arts Center this holiday season, but there was nothing stingy about the theatergoers who attended "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical."

The theater patrons donated more than $9,600 to Globe Santa during the show's run.

That represented nearly double the amount of money that was collected last year at the theater, but it was right in line with Citi president Josiah A. Spaulding Jr.'s prediction that people would be very generous this year.

Since 1956, Globe Santa has provided holiday gifts each year for thousands of needy children, and this year was no exception. A total of 54,286 children in 30,268 families from 171 communities in Eastern Massachusetts received gifts from Globe Santa this Christmas.

Because of the economic crisis, the number of families requesting gifts from Globe Santa was higher than usual. And, despite everyone feeling the economic pinch, people and businesses all over New England rose to the occasion and not only met demand, but exceeded expectations, contributing more than $1,301,857 to the Santa Fund.

This money will be used to purchase the gifts that Globe Santa distributes this coming Christmas. All money donated goes to gifts, with the administrative costs of the campaign being paid for through The Boston Globe Foundation.

Meanwhile, the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis donated a "Pirate and Princess Weekend" for four to Globe Santa. The getaway featured a jam-packed schedule of family activities and is taking place this weekend.

The trip was raffled of at "No Rest For the Wicked Funny" at the Improv Asylum in December, and all proceeds directly benefited Globe Santa.

At the Improv Asylum in Boston's North End, in what has become a holiday tradition, "No Rest For The Wicked Funny," a 24-hour improvisation show, took in more than $17,600, nearly doubling last year's collection.

The event, in which performers and crew donate their time and creative energy, has grown steadily since it started several years ago, and has become a cast and crowd favorite.