ACT presents donation to CPHS
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'Come From Away' performance raises more than $2,000
Altoona Community Theatre raised $2,026 for the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society's Medical Needs Fund through a collection held during its recent production of "Come From Away."
"We appreciate this beyond all the meows and barks," said Becky Felton, outreach and development director of CPHS. "Our medical bills are usually over $250,000 annually, with last year reaching $300,000, so collections like this are always greatly appreciated."
The collection was inspired by the themes of "Come From Away," the musical based on the true story of the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who welcomed and cared for thousands of stranded airline passengers (and 19 stranded animals) for five days following the closure of U.S. airspace after Sept. 11, 2001.
"Come From Away" Director Kate Kale Wolf said the real stories behind the musical inspired the production's connection to CPHS.
"I was inspired by the true stories portrayed in 'Come From Away' and the kindness and generosity of the people of Newfoundland," Wolf said. "Bonnie Harris, the director of Gander's SPCA, was the one person who immediately thought to check the diverted planes for animals, and she saved them all through her persistence. Kevin Tuerff was so moved by the way he was cared for as a diverted passenger that he created the Pay It Forward 9/11 Foundation, urging community organizations to partner with each other in fundraising and awareness efforts and encouraging people to perform random acts of kindness to help each other."
The donation comes as CPHS works to address both the ongoing cost of veterinary care and the need for a new animal shelter. Through its Raise the Woof campaign, CPHS hopes to raise $7 million for a state-of-the-art facility designed to improve animal care, support pet adoptions and expand access to essential veterinary services.
To learn more about CPHS or support the Raise the Woof campaign, visit centralpahumane.org.
To learn more about Altoona Community Theatre, visit altoonacommunitytheatre.com.