The Spirit of Giving

Generosity is not giving me that which I need more than you do, but it is giving me that which you need more than I do.”  This quote by Khalil Gibran seems apt during the holiday season, particularly considering the current economic state of affairs.  Penobscot Theatre, despite facing all of the financial challenges that go along with being a non-profit organization, believes in this principal of generosity.  Though we may not have a lot to give, we give a lot of what we have.  Did you know that just since September Penobscot Theatre has donated tickets to the following charitable organizations to help them with fundraising?

  •             Milo Elementary School
  •             Michael Ryder Benefit Auction
  •             Shoestring Thrift Shop Volunteer Program
  •             Home Care of Maine’s “Stockings for Seniors”
  •             Toys for Tots
  •             Orono Bog Boardwalk
  •             Power in Community Alliances
  •             Hammond Street Senior Center
  •             The Salvation Army
  •             Rape Response Services
  •             Eastern Maine Home Care
  •             Families and Children Together

The Education Department has also donated several Dramatic Academy Registrations to organizations like Child and Family Services of Maine (DHHS) to afford children who are in State custody the opportunity to participate in our programming. This year, we also decorated and donated a wreath for auction to support Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Maine.  For the first time this year, Penobscot Theatre participated in Downtown Bangor Trick or Treating with staff members and volunteers in costume creating a safe environment in our community for over 600 ghosts, goblins, and princesses to stop by and get some candy!  Penobscot Theatre has also worked with schools to help them take advantage of the Maine Arts Commission’s “Ticket to Ride Program” which helps schools defray the cost of travel for any group attending an arts-related event.

Most recently, the Education Department at PTC has been working to bring those in need to the theater.  School Administrative Unit 31 has been in the news lately for its severe financial crisis.  Recognizing a need for some holiday cheer, PTC made it possible for 142 students from Hichborn Middle School in Howland to attend our holiday matinee of A Christmas Story.

A portion of our Mission Statement reads, “Penobscot Theatre is guided by a philosophy of collaboration, committed to providing outreach to students and audiences throughout the region.”  It is in that spirit of collaboration that we try to touch as many lives as possible; and it is by your continued support as subscribers, donors, and audience members that we are able to do so.  We thank you for your ongoing generosity as it allows us to continue to pay it forward.