Party at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg adds 'pie in the face' finale

Six community members are stepping up to the (pie) plate in support of The Palace Theatre and Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

They’re willing to take a “Pie for The Palace” during the Trust’s Party at The Palace virtual fundraising event Saturday, beginning with a VIP party at 7 p.m. and main event at 7:30 p.m.

From now through 8:30 p.m. Saturday, the public can vote on who they would like to see splattered with a pie. The top three vote-getters will take a pie live during the event finale.

Voting is available with donations beginning at $5.

Potential pie targets include:

• Darren Achtzen, director of food services at Seton Hill University

• Peg Colosimo, Party at The Palace committee chair

• Shirley McMarlin, Tribune-Review features writer

• John Noble, Greensburg attorney, actor and Westmoreland Night of the Stars founder

• Tracy Roddy, City of Greensburg parking/meter enforcement officer

• Derek Woods, musician and front man for Derek Woods Band

Three of the participants will be live in the Greensburg theater, while the others will join in remotely, said Adam Seifert, the Trust’s manager of corporate and community engagement.

“I’ve never had a pie to the face before,” Woods said. “But if my time has come, then it’ll be for all to see and to raise funds in the name of art … and pistachio pie.”

“Personally, I’m voting for the ‘parking meter lady,’ but I’m happy to take a pie for The Palace wearing my ‘almost Sinatra’ tuxedo,” Noble said.

Noble said he will match the first 100 votes, for a total of $500.

“Transitioning to a virtual fundraising event this year, the Party at The Palace committee wanted to add some light-hearted fun into the mix. Community members stepped up to the (pie) plate to join us in raising money to support the arts,” Trust CEO April Kopas said. “We are extremely grateful for the many community members who have supported us during this yearlong closure of The Palace Theatre, and we are excited to provide good family entertainment.”

In addition to the pie finale, the event will feature live performances, special guest speakers, raffles and an auction.

Performances will highlight regional talent, including Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Stage Right! Sensations, Gary Pratt, Jacian Blaze and other local musicians, along with a magic act by Samuel Oplinger.

Scott Blasey, singer/songwriter and front man of The Clarks, will make a special appearance.

The show will be streamed for free on the Trust’s YouTube channel and on the Trust and The Palace Theatre Facebook pages.

Guests who purchase a $100 VIP ticket or $50 Main Event ticket will be featured live throughout the evening in a “Zoom Room” and will receive raffle tickets and a gift card.

A limited number of tickets is available.

To purchase tickets or make “Pie for The Palace” donations, call 724-836-8000 or visit westmorelandculturaltrust.org.