Gazette/Connection Correspondent
The first annual dinner theater benefit, sponsored by local writing groups, was a night to remember for Payson Community Kids (PCK) who had hoped to raise enough money to help expand their existing facility.
Saturday’s event captivated an enthusiastic audience at Tiny’s Restaurant that nearly exceeded their banquet capacity of 90 patrons. The evening kicked off with a few inspirational words by Lori Mills, daughter of PCK founder Marcy Rogers, followed by dramatic readings from local writers from Payson Literary Artists, Writers of Whimsy, and Rough Writers.
Throughout the evening 10 talented artists shared romantic, insightful, and humorous excerpts from their writings. Performers included 10-year-old soloist, Catalina Coppelli, and singer/composer Katy Rovetto, whose vocal talents moved the audience with her own unique compositions.
Towards the end of the evening a select group of PCK members performed a song and dance routine, entitled “A-You’re Adorable.” The performance was clearly as enjoyable for the children as it was for the crowd.
A final vocal performance by Rovetto wrapped up the evening as the eclectic group of entertainers gathered on stage, including Master of Ceremonies Ken Crump.
During the course of the evening PCK President, Suzy Tubbs, presented remodeling plans for the new PCK center, which will be built on the existing grounds. Tubbs explained how important the need for expansion was. Six kids can only legally use the existing building at a time, and with an average of 30 kids visiting the center each week, space is extremely limited.
The new site would host 35 kids and six adults at any given time. This would mean that the children would no longer have to play outside during the cold winter months or hot summers.
Although Marcy Rogers started taking in disadvantaged children about 14 years ago, she started the charitable organization in 2006 so that kids with working parents had a place to go after school. Since her passing in December, Tubbs, along with board members and volunteers, have continued the program for Payson’s kids.
“The kids all have their own struggles,” says Tubbs. “We just want to provide a place for them to go.”
With tears in her eyes, Tubbs described how the PCK were doing all they could to raise money for their new building.
“We have kids out there raising money in quarters selling lemonade,” she proudly exclaimed.
Saturday night’s benefit event was a great step in the right direction for PCK. Between ticket sales, a 50/50 raffle, golf course raffle, and silent auction, PCK raised over $2,300.
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