Two Cottey College alumnae with careers in graphic design have been lending their talents to a local charity. Kate Northern ‘03, of New York City, and Sarah Roulston ‘04, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, have donated their time to create publicity and publications for the Lighthouse Children’s Theatre in El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

Just over a year ago, the Lighthouse Children’s Theatre was merely a vision in the mind of a retired school teacher in El Dorado Springs. Now entering its second season, the organization’s programs include acting academies for children ages 3 – 17. It boasts a volunteer staff of about 20, and the overwhelming support of businesses, community members, arts councils, and even government officials. However, there is a much bigger goal that has yet to be fulfilled — building a home for the Lighthouse.

Northern got involved with the LCT last year when she was back in Nevada, Missouri, and looking for free-lance work. “For almost a year now, I’ve been helping develop a children’s theatre organization in El Dorado Springs. I’m directing development, as well as doing all of the graphic design,” said Northern. “This organization is such a wonderful one — it’s bringing arts and culture, education, and so many good things to Eldo, but one of the goals is to make this organization available to kids in all the surrounding communities, not just Eldo. We really want to make ties between communities in the region.”

With her passion for the program, Northern enlisted the aid of her freshman, Roulston, who is doing graphic design work for LCT. Together they have designed all the publications for a gala the LCT is hosting on Saturday, April 26. A special guest at the event will be Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Other members of the Cottey community have been involved as well. Cottey’s chef, Michael Richardson, served as a consultant for the gala, and professor emeritus Dr. Charles Nash will be writing a column for the local paper.

For more information on the Lighthouse Children’s Theatre or the gala, visit the Web site (designed by Northern) at: www.lighthousechildrenstheatre.org.