enefit part of ongoing process of providing for area families in need
Jim Urton, left, and Shane Byler share a comedic moment. The two were a fun interlude between sets for the concert.
Christmas is coming, and the annual Share-A-Christmas Benefit Show certainly helped usher in plenty of Christmas spirit.
This year’s show was broadcast on WKLM for the first time ever, and a talented group of performers used their singing and acting skills to put forth a show that was entertaining and thought-provoking and showcased a huge amount of talent in the Holmes and Wayne county areas.
Now in its 15th year, the benefit raised $5,027, which brings the 15-year total of the benefit to more than $50,000, all of which has gone to Holmes County Share-A-Christmas.
“We have raised more than $50,000 over 15 years, and that is because of all of you,” benefit creator Jann Hershberger said to the crowd who enjoyed the show this year.”
Bob Porter, chairman of Holmes County Share-A-Christmas, paid homage to the concert and to the poeple of Holmes County.
“We want to thank all of you who have attended and given to this benefit, and we thank all of the performers for their effort,” Porter said. “But I really appreciate Jann and want to thank her for the pat 15 years. It has made quite an impact on so many families in our county.”
Hershberger said she had considered ending her run of benefit concerts before this year’s event began. However, a chance meeting with Pam Goller, who had moved into the area and had seen the past two benefit shows, provided a jolt of energy, and the show pressed forward.
“I love doing this show, but I was not going to do it this year, and lo and behold, I get this call from this woman from Hubbard, Ohio,” Hershberger said.
It was Goller, who wondered if Hershberger would have any interest in taking on a partner this year. “That was God talking through Pam,” Hershberger said.
Goller set about writing a script that harkened back to the olden days of radio. The evening included plenty of musical entertainment from a barbershop quartet, duets, solo performers, a mixed quintet, numbers on the piano and organ, an opening ensemble piece that set the tone for the night, and more.
Holmes County Share-A-Christmas began 28 years ago when several area families got together and helped a grand total of eight families in need during the Christmas season. That year the families of Mike Taylor, Bill Baker, John Thern and Sam Steimel created Holmes County Share-A-Christmas, and little did they realize that nearly three decades later the organization would annually make close to 300 area families and dozens of senior citizens part of the giving process.
In addition, each year the community at large gives more than $100,000, and area schools raise as much as 20,000 pounds of food to give to the families.
While the donation drive for the 2017 Share-A-Christmas has concluded, there are still plenty of ways for the community to support this outreach ministry. Unbeknownst to many, Holmes County Share-A-Christmas continues to meet the needs of families throughout the year, providing school supplies, food and money for other needs that arise within the county.
Porter said the continued giving is crucial to the organization being able to continue to meet the needs of families who are chosen through poverty guidelines.
“While we have touched the lives of many families, this really began as a labor of love for the children of our county and the heartfelt kindness these original families wanted to show to the children,” Porter said. “That is where Share-A-Christmas’ roots are firmly planted and always have been.”
While the big day of delivering gifts and food to area families has passed, opportunities still abound for anyone to make a true impact on those around them through donations to Holmes County Share-A-Christmas.
“We have been a big part of a lot of ongoing efforts to meet the needs of our families here in Holmes County,” Porter said. “That included working closely with the food pantries in our area. Every donation, no matter how big or small, can have a huge impact.”
If anyone would like to make a donation to Share-A-Christmas or have Porter come speak at a church or group to relate the story of Holmes County Share-A-Christmas, they may do so by calling Porter at 330-763-0133.