On Saturday, Nov. 12, Thunder Outreach Ministries will host “Feed an Army” – a benefit concert to help feed local families.
This event, set to be held at the newly renovated State Theatre, will serve as a fundraiser for the Boyertown Salvation Army. Heaven’s Thunder Band and some other local performers will be featured.
The organizers are hoping tickets will sell out. All proceeds from this event will be used to purchase food for local families through the Salvation Army of Boyertown and the Reading Area Food Bank.
Tickets, which will serve as donations, are $10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre of Boyertown.
Chaplain Mark Malizzi of Thunder Outreach Ministries says that every $10 seat sold will buy $400 worth of food for local families.
Through the Greater Berks Food Bank, the buying power allows $1 to allocate for $20 worth of food. Plus the great people of St. John’s church in Boyertown will match the sale of each seat ticket of $10 for an added $2500 donation, This would allow for a potential $100,000 worth of food for local families.
He says about 90 families are coming through the Salvation Army on a regular basis. “When we found out how much they’re doing for the region, it’s what really kind of made us go ‘wow, we didn’t know you guys were doing that much.’ And that’s what kind of inspired us to do more to help those who are already helping these great families in the area. “
Malizzi noted the closure of many businesses and companies throughout the region, and says the people utilizing the Salvation Army’s resources are neighbors and that’s the interesting part about it.
“The families that are coming through the Salvation Army for food or clothing are really no different than you or I.”
This concert and food drive is the chance for community members to make a difference locally.
“Where else can you get that kind of multiplication on your giving?” said Malizzi. “We have people that are buying tickets as the donation itself, just because they want the place sold out.”
If someone is unable to attend the concert, but would like to contribute – flat donations are welcome. To purchase tickets or make donations, visit <www.ThunderOutreach.com> or <www.statetheatrepreservation.com>.
Thunder Outreach has challenged all the churches in the region to help spread this information.
Organizers were not aware of the buying power until the event planning was already underway. “The multiplication factor is amazing,” Malizzi explained, noting the large region serviced by the Salvation Army.
Thunder Outreach makes an annual effort to hold a food drive event for the Salvation Army around the holidays.
The group chose The State Theatre to host this event because of all the new upgrades to the Theatre and for its location in the heart of Boyertown. “We felt so much love and compassion for that building and what it could mean for the Boyertown area.” When they found out the venue was available, they immediately signed up.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will make its way back into the community.
