Share the Spirit slated for Dec. 2 at State Theatre
The sixth annual Share the Spirit holiday open house will take place from 7-11 pm. Friday, Dec. 2 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, located at 27 E. Main St., Uniontown. The event includes food, music and an opportunity for the public to give to local charities.
“We want people to share in the holiday spirit,” said Matthew Dowling, of Uniontown, who hosts the event with his wife, Rebecca. “We want to help people in our community with whatever level they can give to become a philanthropist at the holiday season.”
Sharing the Spirit charges no admission but visitors are asked to make a donation to at least one of five organizations: Boy Scouts of America, Connellsville Community Ministries (Connellsville Flood Victims Fund), Dowling Family Fund, The Rotary Foundation and State Theatre Center for the Arts.
A website set up for the event describes the charities and their work:
Boy Scouts: The mission is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
Connellsville Community Ministries Connellsville Flood Victims Fund:”Connellsville Area Community Ministries is an extension of the church to all hurting people needing support in life’s development and the struggle to obtain justice and a healthful life in God’s love.”
Dowling Family Fund: “Founded by Matthew and Rebecca Dowling in 2011, the Dowling Family Advised Fund raises money for community organizations and local projects. The Dowling Family Fund also provides support for the annual Share the Spirit holiday open house.”
Rotary Foundation: The mission is “to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The Rotary Foundation helps fund our humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives.”
State Theatre: The Greater Uniontown Heritage Consortium, Inc, owners of the State Theatre, “fosters and creates artistic enrichment and enjoyment through diverse theatrical presentations for the residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania by providing for the performing, exhibiting and teaching of the fine arts. The Theatre is accessible to community, government, education, civic and business organizations for uses to encourage increased tourism and to bolster the economic development of Fayette County and the surrounding areas.”
Dowling noted a committee that includes representatives from these charities organizes the event each year.
This year’s suggested attire for Share the Spirit is holiday attire with Dowling noting that can include holiday sweaters, dresses or ties. Abacus Jones will once again provide entertainment for the event and local restaurants are once more donating food.
Dowling, who started Share the Spirit in his home before moving it to the State Theatre, set a goal of raising $10,000 for the 2016 event. He noted Share the Spirit has raised that amount in each of the last two years.
“That includes donations to the charities as well as donations to cover the event. It’s very low overhead because the cost of the entertainment is low and the restaurants donate the food,” said Dowling. “Being from a fundraising background, I always want to put as much into the organizations as possible rather than spend it on the event itself.”
A table is set up in the lobby of the State Theatre to take donations. Donors can contribute whatever they like.
“People give $10 to $500 — whatever they feel they can,” said Dowling.
Dowling also noted Share the Spirit uses the Community Foundation as a fiscal agent with the Dowling Family Fund covering any fees involved. Tax receipts are available.
Check the website for more information and updates, such as information about participating restaurants. The address is www.fayettesharethespirit.org.