Testimonials

Susan Sackett - susansackett@earthlink.net (Former Exec. Assistant to Star Trek’s Gene Roddenberry)

As the President of the Humanist Society of Greater Phoenix, I am truly impressed by the tremendous dedication of Ken Tipton and Darlene Lieblich in bringing their vision of filming Heart of the Beholder to life.

When I first heard about this project, I recognized the passion and commitment they poured into it, and I believed in the value of the film's concept. Consequently, I made the decision for our organization to support this endeavor. I encouraged our members to buy DVDs online and contribute to their cause. When the producers didn't reach their initial fundraising goal of $500,000, they returned every single donation they received, which is unheard of in any industry.

Despite this setback, Ken and Darlene remained undeterred, and so did we. We once again supported them, this time by providing loans with the promise of a high-interest return. Both individual members and our organization collectively sent funds to help kickstart this project. We were pleasantly surprised when all the original loan amounts were returned to each lender, along with an additional check representing 66% interest.

The integrity displayed by these two filmmakers is a testament to their inevitable success where others have stumbled. In a time when our country's leadership is marred by scandal after scandal, it is truly refreshing to encounter such honest and principled professionals. Ken and Darlene have set an exceptionally high standard, and one can only hope that they have also established a precedent for the future of the film industry.

Dwain Deets - dadeets@cox.net

Heart of the Beholder, the movie, and the making of the movie, are stories that should resonate with the core values of most in the Free Thought community. I had the opportunity to experience these values firsthand – as a financial supporter, as an actor, and as a beneficiary.

The fact that I became an actor in this movie is a story in itself. I'll skip this story for now and focus on the fact that, through a series of unexpected circumstances, I found myself with a speaking role in the movie. Admittedly, it was a very short role, and even though I had no previous acting experience and had not even witnessed the making of a movie, I had this role. I played the role of Judge Dalton, and I was given an invitation to join the Screen Actors Guild under the Taft/Hartley clause.

Instead of focusing on my experience as an actor, it's more important to explain how I got to that point. It all comes down to the integrity of the producers, Darlene Lieblich and Ken Tipton. In her early efforts to raise production funds, she primarily sought contributions from the Freethought community. The storyline, based on a true-life ordeal in the mid-1980s, had a theme that should resonate with secularists frustrated with the pursuit of power by the Religious Right.

As Darlene and Ken encouraged people to donate to the cause, they made a promise that they would refund all monies if they failed to reach a minimum of $500,000 in contributions. Their reasoning was that any amount less than this minimum would be insufficient to produce a quality movie. Additionally, they offered small acting roles in the movie as incentives to the top contributors.

I contributed some money to support the cause, but I didn't expect that my relatively small amount would put me on the list of top contributors.

Some while later, I received a check in the mail, with an explanation from Ken and Darlene that the funding campaign had fallen short of the $500 thousand minimum for the production budget. It wasn't much under, but it was under. (They raised just over $437,000) I was quite astounded that the money would be returned. That seemed to be integrity beyond the call of duty. All my real world experience told me that a Hollywood producer would fudge things a little and press on with the project. 

Darlena and Ken continued on in their letter to say that the production company, Beholder Productions, was pursuing a different approach. The company was now asking for personal loans, for pay back in two years at 25% interest. If the company was able to pay it back earlier than two years, then the interest would be as if it had been borrowed the full two years. If the loans were held longer than two years, the interest would continue to accrue at this same rate until it was fully paid back. 

I viewed this request for funding entirely differently. No longer was it an appeal for donations, but rather an opportunity to invest. I felt reasonably comfortable with the risk, particularly having had the experience of the contribution money being paid back as it was. A clear example to me of Beholder Productions making good on its word. As I was convinced from before that the project was for a very worthy freethought cause, I made a sizable loan, ten times the amount of my original contribution. 

Later, I attended a talk to a local freethought group given by Darlene and Ken, which made me aware of an urgent need for a rather large additional loan. Again, I thought of this as an investment rather than a donation, and for a worthy cause, so I sent in one more large check. By this time, the total loan had reached $15,000. 

A short while later, I was notified that I was one of the top lenders, and therefore among the small group that would be given a small role in the movie, that of a courtroom jury. Astounded, I searched my memory for any recollection about this “being-in-the-movie” perk. All I could remember was back when Ken and Darlene were trying to get large contributions, part of the incentive for the top contributors was a bit part in the movie. It wasn't long before I heard that Ken and Darlene had planned to honor their earlier commitment all along, even though these were now loans rather than donations. In my mind, I chalked this up as one more example of notable display of integrity.

Once the day came for this group of top lenders to go to Hollywood, and play their roles as jury members, I was among that joyful group of soon-to-be bit-part actors. Sometime during the visit, I was pulled aside and asked if I was interested in playing the role of the judge, rather than being in the jury. It would be a speaking part, with one line. I said, “Sure, sounds like a lot of fun.” As I was filled in on some of the background, the director, Ken Tipton, had decided long before that they would pick one of the top lenders to play the role of the judge. For whatever reason, they picked me for that role.

It turned out to be a much bigger deal than I could have imagined. According to the SAG rules, I had to be a paid at the prescribed rate for non-union actors in independent films. I had to become an actor in their system, be given my own official script, and of course I had to receive my paycheck. (I did contribute the amount of the paycheck back to Beholder Productions as a matter of principal). I also had to submit a resume detailing my acting career. (Since I had none, it was more than a challenge to draft an honest statement that at least gave the impression I had some acting experience.) The culmination of this whole exercise was when I received a letter from SAG inviting me to become a member.

If this little experience gives the impression the movie is an amateurish operation, then I have totally misled you. The movie is professional all ways. The cast is excellent, with Matt Letscher and Sarah Joy Brown as the male and female leads. The story is compelling, and reviews have been very good. So far in the several film festivals it was entered, the movie has received more feature movie first places than any other independent film, ever, five! So why isn't it showing in the theaters?

Mostly because of efforts from the religious right. I don't know specifics on these people, or what organizations they represent. But, there has been a constant barrage of resistance during the entire time. Successful interference that derailed signing of prominent actors, letter-writing campaigns to film festivals putting the movie in bad light, cyber-attacks against the Heart of the Beholder website, and on and on. Potential distributors are understandably leery of taking on this added risk of these determined adversaries.

Fast forward to this first week of January 2006. 21 months after I sent them my last loan check. I received two checks back from Beholder Productions. One for the amount that I loaned them, including the amount that I had considered a contribution when I returned my actors’ pay. The other, a very big check for the interest. Over two years, even though the time period was less than two years, this amounts to a 66% return of the loaned amount. Others that had contributed money have passed the word they have received two checks each, as well. Ken and Darlene had announced shortly before we received these checks that all donations would also be considered to have been loans, and would be paid back in full, plus the 66% in interest.

We in the Freethought community have an opportunity and a challenge to help this movie make it through these rough times. The movie tells a story that needs to be told and represents an integrity that should serve as an example for others. We ought to talk it up, promote it on our websites, and get ready to celebrate when the movie becomes a topic of conversation among the public at large. And as the Judge Dalton from the movie I say, “I find in favor of Beholder Productions.”

Tom Flynn - tomwflynn@adelphia.net

On January 16, 2004, I loaned $250 to Ken Tipton and Darlene Lieblich to help complete the film "HEART OF THE BEHOLDER." I believed in the cause so much that I didn't care if I ever got the money back. I kept up with the production through Ken’s frequent emails and because part of the film was shot at our Los Angeles branch center. I had no doubt that Ken and Darlene were serious about making a successful independent film. Despite my skepticism about getting my money back, I received the promised DVD of the completed film shortly after it was finished.

Then, in late 2005, I was surprised to receive not only my $250 back but also a second check for almost 2 years of interest at 66%. What amazed me even more was that this payment wasn't even due until Beholder Productions had secured a distribution deal, which they still haven't. Ken and Darlene personally made this payment from their own funds because they believed it was the right thing to do. I had originally expected to never see my money again, but I was paid back exactly as promised, even though the filmmakers didn't technically owe the money at the time. If only everyone in the world could act with such integrity!

This incredible story of how "HEART OF THE BEHOLDER" was made is true, and the investors, including myself, were treated with more than honesty and integrity. It's a Hollywood miracle. I am the editor of FREE INQUIRY, America's largest circulation secular humanist magazine. You can reach me on weekdays at 716-636-7571 ext 213, and I am happy to confirm that Ken and Darlene’s remarkable story is completely true.

John Scalise - jescalise@yahoo.com

I am one of the people who pre-purchased a DVD and loaned money to you for the production of "Heart of the Beholder." When Ken and Darlene initially pitched the idea, I was quite skeptical, but the cost of purchasing a DVD was low, so I decided to do it. When the fundraising fell through, I was relieved that the money I had sent was promptly returned.

Later, when Ken and Darlene asked for loans, I spread the word about their request far and wide. As the president of the Great Lakes Humanist Society and the manager of several email lists, I made an effort to help get the movie made. I shared my initial experience with Ken and Darlene, but unfortunately, many people were skeptical and worried about being deceived. Despite this, my wife and I sent Ken and Darlene $500. It was a significant amount for us, and I was half-expecting to never see it again. I was especially doubtful about your promised return on investment, which, if I remember correctly, was around 25% per year.

I decided to send the money because I believed that if freethinkers didn't unite on a project like this, our views would never reach the general public. I followed the production's progress with interest, and when Ken and Darlene encountered distribution problems, I thought my investment was gone. However, Ken and Darlene then sent an email stating that the repayment checks were in the mail. Within a week, I received my check for over $800, a return rate of 66%!

Despite your personal struggles in making this film, Ken and Darlene kept your word. Their integrity is impeccable. Thank you for allowing my wife and me to be a part of this effort.

Bob Tee - bobtee@humanists.fsnet.co.uk

We made a donation of £100 ($180) to support the production costs of "Heart of the Beholder." We were only expecting to receive the DVD of the film, which we have received and will be showing to our members at our monthly meeting in May 2006. Unexpectedly, we received a cheque from Ken and Darlene returning the $180, along with another cheque for interest, totaling £159.41 after money changing fees. If it had been my own money, I would have torn up the cheques, but anyway, it will go towards furthering the cause of Humanism in West Yorkshire.

I have been deeply impressed by Ken and Darlene determination in the face of all the sneaky and underhand attempts to sabotage her project. After watching the DVD, I was amazed by the quality of the acting and the production as a whole. It certainly deserves commercial distribution.

Lisa Ridlon - lisa071573@aol.com

I supported the indie movie "Heart of the Beholder" after learning about it through a freethought e-mail list. The producers were pre-selling future copies of the movie on DVD to raise funds for filming. I sent a $25 check, unsure if it was legitimate.

When the producers didn't reach their budget goal, they refunded the money. They then sought personal loans, and I sent $100. After working as an extra and seeing the progress, I donated an additional $200.

I received a repayment check of $494 last year, along with interest. I spent part of it on DVD copies for my friends.

The movie tells an incredible story of a family standing up to harassment by a powerful religious group. I'm proud to have been part of getting this story told.

Tim Widrick - widrick_td@yahoo.com

I first learned about this project through the magazine "Free Inquiry." To support it, I participated in the original internet campaign, where I pre-purchased a DVD for $25 to help raise $500K. When the total reached over $400K, I thought the campaign was successful. However, shortly after, I received my $25 back as the goal had not been reached.

Subsequently, Ken and Darlene initiated another fundraising effort, this time seeking donations or loans for the project. Before making a decision, I decided to research Ken and Darlene further. I didn't take any action for a while, attributing my inaction to categorizing it as "non-urgent." However, in October 2004, I finally made a move by loaning $1000, which was a significant amount for me. I trusted Ken and Darlene, and the terms of the loan were very favorable. I saw it as an opportunity to support the project and make an investment.

After some time, I received the completed DVD in the mail, which was a pleasant surprise as I had forgotten that receiving the DVD for free was part of the deal. When I watched the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it far exceeded my expectations. It turned out to be a very good film.

In January 2006, I received the repayment of the loan along with two years' worth of interest, even though less than two years had passed since I loaned the money. It was a fantastic outcome.

Christine Menefee - chrmenefee@jeffnet.org

A while back, I did something I had never done before: I donated to a group I had never heard of. I liked what they were doing and wanted to show my support. I lived in central Virginia at the time, where I often encountered religious extremism, which the group's movie project aimed to expose.

I couldn't afford to invest in their project, but I happily donated $25 to thank them for their work. To my surprise, they sent me a DVD of the completed movie as a thank-you. Later, they sent me two checks - one for $25 and another with a generous interest rate on my "donation."

I bought two copies of the DVD to give to friends in Virginia and still had some money left for postage. I hope their movie reaches a wide audience, as it's a great story and a terrific film.

Suzy Frederickson - resuzy@comcast.net

Thank you for the checks you sent. They came at a time when I really needed them! I must say, I was surprised to receive the interest check as well. When I sent you the money, I didn't think I would get it back, but I wanted to support you because you seemed to really believe in your film.

It was the first time I ever sent money to a complete stranger. Good things happen to good people, and I know that this project will be the first of many good things to happen to you.

Best of luck with the film, and please keep me on the mailing list. I wish I had more to contribute, but I don't.

Here's to your success!

Edward Picciuti - epicciuti@hotmail.com

I contributed and lent money to BEHOLDER once, and true to their word, the funds came back with interest. I had not expected to see the money returned and had told Ken and Darlene as much when I sent it. I was interested in seeing the story that BEHOLDER brought to the public.blic.

I am a senior, 73 years old, and I want the country free of any Tyranny, for my grandkids and don't mind paying for it.

Being an independent person and follow the dictates of my conscience only, no parties line.

Having read the story of the BEHOLDER there was no choice, but help defend Free Speech. It turned out it isn't free, the price paid by the community was staggering. They lost their voice to the" Do as I say, not as I do" groups. The intrigue and double dealing by the D.A. was sickening.

Ken and Darlene had the courage to mortgage their home to pay back investors and bring this story to the screen. That is what America is about "Doing the Right thing".

Steve Bogus - SBogus@aol.com

I just wanted to take a moment to write to you about the accomplishment I felt a part of when I contributed to financing Heart of the Beholder. When I sent in my donations, I made it clear that I did not expect any repayment, as I considered it a donation, not a loan.

To my surprise, you not only repaid the entire amount I contributed, but you also sent an additional check as interest, which I found to be at an obscenely high rate. I am proud to have played a small role in the production of the movie.

Thank you so much!

John Masters - jmasters@iinet.net.au

In 2003/2004, I provided two loans for the production of the film "Heart of the Beholder". At that time, I had doubts about the commercial viability of the project and whether the hurdles it faced could be overcome. However, I believed in the cause and the commitment shown by Darlene Lieblich and Ken Tipton. Despite facing many setbacks and unethical tactics from opponents, they remained dedicated to the project.

I am pleased to report that I have now received the full amount of the loans along with 66% interest, as promised. Ken and Darlene have shown impeccable integrity throughout this process.

If you need further information, feel free to ask.

Stan Lieber - stan@lieberlaw.com

Ken Tipton and Darlene Lieblich Tipton have been clients of our firm for many years. In all of our dealings with them, they have shown the utmost integrity and trustworthiness, not only in dealing with us, but also in all of the many agreements they entered into with others. Their primary goal has always been to treat those they were dealing with in a fair and honest manner. If only we had more clients like Ken and Darlene, life would be great.

I did not hesitate when they asked if we could loan money for the production costs. They promised to pay back all of the money with interest and I agreed. My son, Jason, who is now a young attorney practicing as a Public Defender in Riverside, also agreed to loan money for your project.

I can't say that I was surprised when we received checks covering our loans plus a good amount of interest. I was surprised, though, that we received checks before you had a distribution deal in place.

Anyway, continued good luck with the movie (which I and obviously others thought was great).

Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Fred Brendel - fredbrendel@hotmail.com

Please pass along this note to whomever you feel may benefit from it. I indeed received two checks last month: one was a return of my $1,000 investment, and the other was a $660 interest payment.

The timing of the checks couldn't have been better for me, as I had recently lost my job and gotten married. Initially, the offer seemed too good to be true. be true, but Ken and Darlene have proved to be a model of the highest integrity.

My wish is for as many people as possible to view this groundbreaking film. Thank you for the example you set.

Please keep me posted as new developments arise.

Vance Meyer - HStitch@aol.com

Congratulations on successfully completing "Heart of the Beholder."

We found the film to be entertaining and, more importantly, we commend your business ethics. We were pleasantly surprised when our investment was returned with full interest as you had promised.

We wish you great success as you move on to the distribution phase of the film.

Larry Carter - lcartercenter@yahoo.com

I have been a supporter of the film "Heart of the Beholder" for over three years. The story resonates with me as it reflects similar experiences my family and I have had with religious fanatics.

I proudly own the DVD and share it with people in my home. The film sheds light on corrupt local officials, law enforcement's reluctance to protect controversial individuals, and the tragic humor in victims of theocracy seeking healings.

The betrayals depicted in the film mirror events in my own life. Despite the serious subject matter, the film finds humor in unexpected ways. It is a revealing portrayal of the devious and cruel nature of allegedly holy people, without being over-dramatized.

I commend Ken and Darlene and the cast for their work. I hope the film can be made available on the big screen in communities worldwide.

Due to experiencing job loss from religious discrimination, I am unable to support the film financially, but I am happy to have done what I could.

Ronald J. Glossop - rglossop@mindspring.com

I first learned about the effort to produce HEART OF THE BEHOLDER through the St. Louis Rationalist Society's monthly bulletin SECULAR SUBJECTS. Intrigued by the project and the promised 25% interest, I decided to invest the minimum of $100. Although there was a risk of losing the entire amount, I wanted to support this kind of initiative. As I received more information about the project's progress, I became more confident in my investment and eventually decided to loan an additional $500 when I had some extra funds.

Keeping up with the project's updates was essential for my continued support. I felt proud to be a small part of such a worthwhile effort. When I received all my money back with the promised interest, I was very impressed and even sent a contribution of $50. I would have given more, but I anticipate upcoming expenses and plan to use the repayment to cover them.

If Ken and Darlene were to request another loan or contribution in the future, I would be happy to support her. She has proven to be trustworthy and capable of successfully completing important projects.

Andrew Fry - andfry@u.washington.edu

I remember reading Ken Tipton's script on Kevin Spacey’s Triggerstreet.com a while back and providing feedback. When I learned that Ken and Darlene were raising funds online, I admired the effort and decided to commit $1,000 to the cause.

My wife didn't think I would ever see the money again but understood the risk. I wanted to be a part of the project and support the small budget/self-made movie initiative, which has produced many good films like 28 Days Later and Pieces of April.

To our surprise, the film was made, and I felt proud of Ken and Darlene’s accomplishments. To our further surprise and my delight, not only was the loan repaid with the promised interest, but a great movie was also produced.

Congratulations and best of luck with finding distribution.

Kenneth E. Nahigian - appalonius@netzero.net

I have been following the Heart of the Beholder project since its early stages and I was extremely pleased with all my interactions with HOTB. The news updates are regular, and the responses to my questions have been timely and informative.

I appreciated the personal phone calls to thank investors, which was a nice touch.

When HOTB Productions had to extend its original production deadline, they promptly returned all loans and donations as promised, instead of holding onto the money or asking for more time. When the movie was released, it received awards.

After production, all loans were repaid on schedule, with interest down to the penny. This was my first time investing in a film production, and the positive experience has made me likely to do it again.

Dean Butler - dmbmac@earthlink.net

A few years ago, when Darlene and Ken first approached us about HOTB, we were both impressed and somewhat skeptical. These two individuals had no prior experience in filmmaking but were very passionate about a story that might have limited commercial appeal due to budget and casting constraints. However, the story had great human appeal as it was about a good person doing the right thing for all the right reasons. At that time, they didn't disclose that the story was Ken’s true story, but we liked Darlene and Ken, and they seemed to embody the essence of their script.

They explained their internet funding approach to us, including the promise of a refund if their goals were not met, and we were convinced. Seeing Darlene and Ken as honest and well-intentioned individuals, we thought, “What do we have to lose?” and made a modest online contribution. To be honest, we didn't think much about it afterward.

A few months later, after the funding deadline had passed, we received a check from HOTB for the full amount of our contribution. I want to emphasize that we received a refund check from HOTB for the full amount of our contribution plus 66% interest. It was a simple gesture, but it left a lasting impression on us.

It's somewhat disheartening that we were surprised and humbled by the fact that Darlene and Ken actually followed through on their word. In both word and action, they fulfilled their promise to us down to the last penny. However, our satisfaction didn't come from getting the money back; it came from the fact that Darlene and Ken made us feel good about having faith in them. By the way, we've seen the movie, and we were impressed by the result. As an actor on Little House on the Prairie and other productions, I have never witnessed the level of honesty and integrity shown by Ken and Darlene in entertainment productions.

We have no doubt that if Darlene and Ken seek funding for their next film project or anything else, they will find a very receptive group of potential backers ready to listen and likely to invest. As individuals and partners, they consistently exceed expectations. Their personal commitment to surpassing expectations is something we are proud to be associated with because it reaffirms our faith in the best of human nature, which is more important than the money we received. We've spent the money, but we'll never forget that Darlene and Ken are two people who keep their promises.

Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help.

Bill Blazier - blaz426@cox.net

When my wife and I first heard about the opportunity to invest in "Heart of the Beholder," we were both skeptical. However, after discussing it, we decided to make an investment. Our decision was based on the fact that the movie tells a story that focuses on principles we adhere to.

Later, when our money was returned with interest, we were convinced of the honesty and sincerity of the film's producers. We later had the opportunity to watch the finished movie and found it to be everything we had hoped for.

We extend our congratulations for completing "Heart of the Beholder" and wish you well in your future endeavors.

Angel Krull - akrull4513@yahoo.com

I donated money to the making of Heart of the Beholder because I noticed that the negativity and hostility depicted in the movie were spilling over into the present day. Specifically, I observed that people had posted hurtful comments on the movie's website, expressing their opposition to the movie being made.

As a strong believer in free speech, I believe that if these individuals didn't like the movie (which they hadn't even seen yet!), they should have simply chosen not to watch it. It became clear to me that I wanted to support the creators of this movie to ensure that those who opposed it would be proven wrong. I'm pleased to say that the movie has been made and is excellent. It was money well spent, especially since I received my full investment plus interest back. carrying over to the present day. Specifically, I mean that when I looked at the comments section of the movie's web site, I noticed that people had submitted horrible comments about how the movie shouldn't be made.

I'm a strong believer in free speech, and if these people didn't like the movie (which they hadn't even seen yet!), they should just not watch it. I knew then that I wanted to help support the people making this movie to make sure that the ones who opposed it would be proven wrong. I'm happy to say that the movie has been made and is great. It was money well spent especially since I received my full investment plus interest back.

Bernie Schatz - be6rn6ie6@juno.com

IKen Tipton and Darlene Lieblich are the greatest! I do not recall ever meeting them in person but was contacted via friends at the American Humanist Association. I do know one of their friends who is the leader of a Humanist chapter. I sent money to support their movie three times and it all came back just as they stated. It just does not seem real that Ken and Darlene could undertake that much work and finish on time, but they did and deserve as much credit as possible.

Those who do not understand the negative effects of religion just do not understand themselves. They could improve themselves by trying to understand the message in the film "Heart of the Beholder." Warped minds seldom become corrected. It seems like it is just one of those things one has to live with.

Brandon P. Charin - bpchar@solutia.com

A few years ago, I received an email about the film "Heart of the Beholder" and its fundraising campaign. I decided to support the project by pre-ordering a DVD and entering a sweepstakes. To my surprise, I won $250 from the sweepstakes, which proved the legitimacy of the campaign. Later, when they asked for a loan to make the film, I didn't hesitate to contribute.

When I received the DVD, I was thoroughly impressed. I felt proud to have played a part in making the movie happen. Not only was my loan repaid, but I also received a great return on my investment.

Looking back, I wish I had contributed more to the project!

Jerri Higgins - differentdrummer_05@yahoo.com

When I first heard about Heart of the Beholder on Air America, I was horrified at what these people had gone through, first in life, and then with the producers in trying to get this movie out. I have been informed through newsletters and emails every step of the way about what was coming up, going on, and the struggles that have ensued.

I would buy a DVD or Video from this company without hesitation and applaud anything that Ken Tipon and Darlene Lieblich has a hand in. Ken and Darlene’s integrity has never been in question. I received a copy of the DVD quickly and am so grateful for the work and risk that has been taken to make this a reality.

It is so disgusting that supposed "Christians" are the ones who have made this venture so difficult. I am a believer in God, but I am a bigger believer in truth, and have a right to see what is perpetrated in the name of "God".

Sara Brown - slbrown1@rcn.com

I was the organizer of a small group of independent-minded women who wanted to support your effort to produce 'Heart of the Beholder'. Although we didn't have much money to offer individually, we pooled our resources and made a loan of $100. Every time there was an email update, I forwarded it to the other members of our group.

It has been wonderful to stay informed about your progress, and we were very impressed with the quality of the movie. When our loan was repaid (with generous interest!!), we decided to donate the money to a scholarship fund sponsored by our group, which is also a worthy cause.

It has been a pleasure to be connected with your movie in this way. I'm sorry that narrow-minded people have caused you completely unwarranted trouble, and I admire your courage and perseverance.

Richard Young - ryoung@gmail.com

I first learned about Darlene's efforts to raise money for the production of Heart of the Beholder in the summer or fall of 2003. I can't recall exactly how I found out about it, but I think there was a post on one of the mailing lists I subscribe to.

I read about Ken and Darlene’s previous attempt to raise the $500,000 needed for the production. They had promised to return every penny to the contributors if the $500,000 couldn't be raised by a certain date. The date passed, and a total of $437,000 was raised, which is quite impressive. After achieving this, most people might have been tempted to say, "Hey, that's close enough. Let's shoot the film! Surely the contributors will understand." But, as I personally experienced, Ken and Darlene are not like most people. They returned every penny and started over. This level of integrity is truly remarkable.

I'm not a wealthy man by any standard (but I have my health), so I didn't have any crystal balls to consult. However, I found myself feeling a strange urge to consider investing, partly because I believed that the film had an interesting and important story to tell, and partly because it seemed like a sound investment opportunity.

I took some time to think it over. I mulled it over for a few weeks. Sending thousands of my hard-earned dollars to Hollywood seemed as sensible as driving my car off a cliff. This reminded me of the opening scene of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." I really love that old film!

So, inspired by Jimmy Durante's bold but fatal gesture, I decided to take the plunge. Later, I visited Los Angeles and had lunch with Ken and Darlene. Any remaining apprehensions I had vanished. Time passed.

It's been just under two years since my initial investment, and I have found success. My investment has been returned, along with a generous amount of interest, just as promised.