Looking back on 2013, Greenbrier Valley Theatre (GVT), The State Professional Theatre of West Virginia, has plenty to be proud of. An impressive season of nine main stage shows closes next weekend with four shows cresting over 1,000 attendees each. In the last year, people from 42 West Virginia counties and 40 states attended a play produced by GVT, whose small, intimate Hollowell Theatre only seats 160. By the end of this month, well over 22,000 people will have had their lives impacted by attending a Greenbrier Valley Theatre program, including over 2,000 attendees to eight touring locations throughout the region and over 5,000 children who have learned and grown through GVT’s Youth Education Program. As 2014 quickly approaches, plans are already in place to repeat this year’s success.
Taking a stroll down Washington Street in Lewisburg, one may notice large faces smiling at the street from the windows of Greenbrier Valley Theatre. These posters, part of GVT’s plans to build on their success, mark the beginning of what is the busiest time of year for every charitable cause in America-the end of year giving drive. On average, charities across the nation received roughly 40 percent of all their annual contributions between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Eve last year. “Without a doubt, the kindness of those who love GVT at this time of the year is the key to ensuring that GVT can continue to provide great experiences for everyone year-round. It’s amazing, really, how charitable the people of the Greenbrier Valley are to their nonprofit organizations. For so many of us, these end of year donations are what keep us going and growing. For us, that’s no exception,” says Ryan Ferrebee, development manager for the theatre.
Help make 2014 great for Greenbrier Valley Theatre and spread the gift of cheer this holiday season by making a tax-deductible gift in any amount to GVT’s 2014 Campaign online at www.gvtheatre.org, via telephone at 304-645-3838, or by mail: GVT, ATTN: 2014 Annual Campaign, P.O. Box 494, Lewisburg, WV 24901. Greenbrier Valley Theatre is a 50(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information on this and other charities, please visit www.guidestar.org.