PINE GROVE — In an effort to support the local woman who has made numerous sacrifices over the years to keep the lights on at the Pine Grove Theatre, a group of volunteers are holding a fundraiser to support her.
It’s a salute to women called “Women’s Empowerment Day,” Genavieve Moyer, Pine Grove, said Tuesday in front of the theater at 213 S. Tulpehocken St. It will be held there from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 27.
Tickets will be $8 at the door on the day of the event, and are available for $5 in advance.
“They can get them at the theater or contact me,” Moyer said. She encouraged people to contact her for more information at 484-955-3897.
“All proceeds will benefit the theater and support its effort to pay off its new digital projection system. And we’re hoping for a crowd of about 80,” Moyer said.
In late summer, the theater’s owner and operator, Louise H. Miller, brought the vintage theater into the digital age by investing “approximately $60,000” on the system. She said she agreed to a five-year payment plan. To afford it, she has been working with community supporters to raise funds. She calls the campaign “Dollars For Digital.” In the past year, Miller has managed to raise “about $13,000” through it.
“To us in the community, Louise is like another mom. And I’ve always been a fan of the theater. We’ve done a lot of Girl Scout events here. I feel like it’s a staple of our community and, sometimes, I think people take it for granted,” Moyer said.
While Miller has hosted special screenings, the all-day event slated for Feb. 27 is something new.
It’s being organized by a group of businesswomen from the community, including Amy Jo Brixius, owner of Brixius Music Studio, in her home.
“I am going to be singing and having some of my students sing as well. I give voice lessons at my home in Pine Grove. I’m looking forward to spending a day with powerful women learning how to build strength in ourselves and feel empowered. It’s going to be a great day for girls and women of any age,” Brixius said Tuesday.
“Our event will include music, an inspirational speaker, workshops on wellness, cooking and fashion trends, a fashion show, film screenings and vendors,” Moyer said.
Moyer, a representative of Sseko Designs, a clothing line, will also have a stand there.
“At least 10 percent of the profits from all vendors will go back to Dollars For Digital. If a vendor wants to do more, they can,” Moyer said.
The promotional posters for the Feb. 27 event are emblazoned with the words: “Come spend a day rejuvenating your spirit as a woman!”
Erica Clark, Edinboro, Erie County, is scheduled to be the guest speaker.
When she was between the ages of 16 and 18, Clark was in an abusive relationship in which she suffered physical violence and has left her with numerous emotional scars. While attending college, she again found herself in a terrifying situation.
“She was physically attacked and assaulted,” Moyer said.
Clark graduated five months after that attack, in 2005, from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in specialized psychology with a concentration in mental health. She is now studying for her master’s in forensic psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Clark works as a juvenile and adult mental health probation and parole officer in Mifflin County, with duties including the registration of sexual offenders as a SORNA — Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act — officer. She also coordinates a countywide Crisis Intervention Team, Moyer said.
“Child care will be provided by Girl Scout Troop 31603 during her speech,” Moyer said.
Films that will be screened that day include “The Help (2011)” and “Brave (2012).”
The event will feature music by Ann Wolfe, Pine Grove, and The Open Door Project, Moyer said.