California Browncoats, Inc. is a registered non-profit charity in the state of California (501(c)3 status pending). Our mission is to promote Firefly and Serenity and their fandom, cast and crew through charitable works. We host booths at various California conventions where we raise money for a charity selected by one of the cast or crew of Firefly or Serenity. Through these endeavors we hope to raise the awareness of not only our favored television show and movie but also of those charities we support. We were founded by four dedicated fans who had participated in local charity events through the fandom in the past and who hope that together we can do great things.

About Firefly and Serenity
Firefly was a short-lived television series created by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) for Fox network in 2002. Unfortunately only 14 episodes were ever filmed before Fox pulled the plug, with only 11 of those episodes ever being aired. Fan support for this show was enormous and they rallied together to pressure Fox to release the show on DVD, including the unaired episodes. Since its release in November 2003, the Firefly DVD set has consistently remained in the top 25 on Amazon. Recognizing the potential in such a mega-selling program, Universal Pictures opted to produce a movie based on the series. In September of 2005, the movie Serenity was released. Poor box office results did not slow its fandom.

Local California fan groups found their numbers increasing dramatically as fans were drawn to the television series from having seen the movie. The fandom is still alive and active throughout the world where its members participate in events such as Firefly/Serenity conventions and the annual Browncoat Ball, which is based loosely on the episode “Shindig”. The occasion of one of the stars of the show, be it cast or crew, at a convention or other event usually elicit a large Browncoat turnout and a new show featuring one of the actors already has a built-in following.

The Charitable Efforts of Browncoats World Wide
The Browncoats themselves are also charitably-minded people. Many fan groups have shown us this side of themselves by doing such things as collecting coats for the needy, raising funds for the Salvation Army after Hurricane Katrina and participating in the annual Can’t Stop the Serenity screenings for the international charity Equality Now. Our group follows in the footsteps of these fine Browncoats and other non-profit Browncoat groups such as the Southeastern Browncoats (SEBC) to help our fellow fans make a difference in the world we live in.

California Browncoats Board Members

James Riley, President
Arielle Kesweder, Vice President
Lynn Briance, Treasurer
Kimberly Pudliner, Secretary
Dwight Bragdon
Ido Carmel
Nikolai Norausky
James Tucker

If you have any questions about our organization and its mission please email us.