Heaven’s Thunder Band will be present the concert “Inspiring Hope” on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the State Theatre of Boyertown. All funds raised that night will go directly to Safe Berks to renovate its children’s playground.
The goal is to raise $12,000 to repair and update the 30-by-37-foot playground area with a rubber mat base area. Mulch currently covers the area.
“It is vital for all children to have access to a clean and safe place to play,” said Mary Kay Bernosky, chief executive officer of Safe Berks. “Children coming from families torn apart by domestic abuse have even a greater need for access to an environment where they can experience individual and group play in a safe space. We are thrilled to be selected as the beneficiary of the Thunder Outreach benefit concert Nov. 11, to help us provide this for our children at the Safe House.”
The concert is being presented by Thunder Outreach Ministries.
“The problem is the play area is on really, really hard soil,” said President of Thunder Outreach Ministries.
He said right now Thunder Outreach is focused on helping the Safe Berks program. They reviewed the playground and decided they best way to upgrade the play area would be with the rubber mats, so if a child were to fall off the equipment they have a less likely chance of getting seriously hurt.
“This matting is good for 10+ years,” said Malizzi, adding how lives will be affected instantly. “If we can provide a better environment for everybody, it’s going to help them get through what they’re dealing with in that moment in time.”
Safe Berks, located in Reading, is a safe haven and support system for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; it served more than 4,000 clients in the last fiscal year.
“Every penny of that $20 is going to be put towards building this play area,” said Malizzi.” The State Theatre seats 225 people. If the concert sells out, ticket sales alone would bring $4,500 to the cause. “We want it sold out. We want it packed.”
For those who cannot attend that night, there is also an option to buy a block (a rubber mat) for $15. Malizzi calls these “building blocks of hope.”
The group is looking to raise the remaining $7,500 through local and corporate donations to reach the goal of $12,000.
“If we raise more than the $12,000 – then we’re actually going to look to even buy and upgrade the playground equipment itself.”
The Nov. 11 concert begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; The State Theatre is located at 61 North Reading Ave., Boyertown. Find tickets and additional information online at thunderoutreach.com/event.
“We’re about asking to the community to help us make a difference in these families’ lives.”
