Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Holding Holiday Concert, Food Drive, Blood Drive And Toy Drive

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) is gearing up for the holiday season with a spirited performance – and many chances to give back.

WHBPAC will launch a charitable food drive to collect donations for local food pantries on Monday, November 2. It will run through Wednesday, December 2. On Tuesday, November 24, WHBPAC will partner with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) for the first time to hold a blood drive. From 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the community can stop by to give blood, by appointment only.

“While we face many challenges, it is good to be reminded that perspective is everything. The NYBC is experiencing a 75 percent shortage in the blood supply – that is a life or death challenge, and we can help to tackle it,” noted Julienne Penza-Boone, Executive Director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. To make an appointment to give blood, visit nybc.org.

That Motown Band Holiday Show will be livestreamed from the famous WHBPAC Mainstage on Friday, December 17 at 8:00 p.m. In addition to beloved soul, blues, and dance classics like Rescue Me and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, That Motown Band will sprinkle in several holiday favorites. “Our mission is to bring the arts to audiences in compelling ways, but also to serve as a beacon of positivity while enriching our community,” explained Penza-Boone.

Although WHBPAC was forced to close its doors back in March and had to reschedule its summer lineup, the Arts Center has remained committed to keeping the arts alive, as well as supporting the East End community. Upon learning about the unprecedented demand food pantries are facing, WHBPAC Director of Sales Allison Frost spearheaded a food collection to help “drive out hunger,” held in coordination with WHBPAC’s October rare concert film drive-in series. More than 100 pounds of canned and boxed goods was collected and donated to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Westhampton Beach. WHBPAC is continuing the effort to fight food insecurity through the November charitable food drive. A donation drop-box is located in the theater’s main lobby.

WHBPAC will once again champion the Marine Toys for Tots program this holiday season. The program distributes approximately 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children each year. “This year, we’re hoping to see that donation box overflowing with gifts that will be given to those who are in need,” added Penza-Boone. Donations can be dropped off at WHBPAC’s box office throughout December.

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 76 Main Street in Westhampton Beach. For more information, visit whbpac.org.