Broadway Theatre League of Utica Teams up with Rome Rescue Mission to STOMP Out Hunger
The Broadway Theatre League of Utica is inviting everyone to help STOMP Out Hunger by donating non-perishable food items between now and the debut performance of STOMP on August 16th and 17th in an effort to restock the shelves of the Rome Rescue Mission.
During the pandemic, countless individuals and families turned to food banks to help feed themselves and their families. Now, as the community begins to rebuild, The Broadway Theatre League of Utica is looking to draw attention to the heightened need for food charities and replenish the very shelves that brought hope and support to so many during a time of despair.
“The Rome Rescue Mission is humbled to be part of STOMP Out Hunger’s campaign as it brings awareness to the needs of so many hungry people in our area,” Matt Miller, Executive Director of Rome Rescue Mission, stated. “The last year has been difficult for all of us. But for the most vulnerable– seniors, children, and single moms– it has been tragic. We would like to thank the Broadway Theatre League of Utica and everyone for helping us provide ‘A Hand Up, Not a Handout’ to all we serve.”
STOMP, the international percussion sensation, has taken audiences by storm, since its conception as a street performance in the UK more than 20 years ago. Now an international sensation, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people, STOMP has made it their mission to put its name to use, partnering with agencies across the country to help communities remain resilient in trying times.
“When working with the production of STOMP, we learned about the partnerships they’d formed with food banks across America and wanted to get involved. We chose to team up with the Rome Rescue Mission so we could help raise awareness of the services they provide to those in need while keeping donations local,” said Danielle Padula, Executive Director of The Broadway Theatre League of Utica. “Broadway Theatre League of Utica has always taken great pride in going beyond the stage and supporting our community. When our doors were closed, we felt that same support return to us. Today, we’re proud to stand here once again ready to reignite the stage and aid those in need so we can all come back stronger together.”
STOMP Out Hunger is a timely movement as requests for help from food banks across the country have surged 30 percent over this last year and keeping pantries stocked remains an ongoing concern. Due to the current economic climate, STOMP has dedicated itself to bringing attention to the heightened needs of food charities by sponsoring canned food drives in as many cities as possible.
To help shed light on this movement, the Broadway Theatre League of Utica has also partnered with The Rome Capitol Theatre who will be collecting donations from August 9th to 12th during the day.
“We are very pleased to be able to work again with our old friends at the Rome Rescue Mission and to start a relationship with our new friends at the Broadway Theatre League on this extremely worthwhile project,” Art Pierce, Executive Director at Capitol Theatre, stated.
The Broadway Theatre League of Utica has displayed metal garbage cans, a tribute to STOMP’s iconic rhythmic expression, in front of the Rome Capitol Theatre, 230 W. Dominick Street in Rome, on August 9th – 12th, and in front of the Stanley Theatre on each evening before the performances to serve as the food collection bin. They are inviting everyone to donate non-perishable items, including canned vegetables, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jams and jelly, canned tuna fish, canned meats, canned fruits, and individual snacks for kids. All food collected will be donated to Rome Rescue Mission, which serves approximately 200 meals per day.
STOMP presented by Broadway Theatre League of Utica will perform at the Stanley Theatre August 16th and 17th at 7:30pm. Tickets to this event can be purchased by phone at 315-624-9444 or online at www.BroadwayUtica.org
