Synovus bank has partnered with the cast of the Marvelous Wonderettes:Caps and Gowns and the Averitt Center for the Arts to support the Hearts and Hands Clinic. For every ticket sold to the Friday, February 18, 2022 show, Synovus will make a contribution to the local free health clinic.
“Life never goes quite as planned and it’s in the difficult moments, when the journey takes a hard turn, that a single act of compassion can make all the difference.” This quote was the inspiration behind the Synovus partnership in which Jenni Kight, one of the stars of the Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns and an employee of Synovus, came up with.
The show will be at the Averitt Center for the Arts in the Emma Kelly Theater February 17 through 19 at 7:30pm and February 20 at 3pm.
The local cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns follows the fun and hilarious story of Betty Jean (Ashley Whittemore), Cindy Lou (Christie McLendon), Missy (Rachel Elkins), and Suzy (Jenni Kight) at their high school graduation in 1958 and then ten years later at Missy’s wedding. The show features hit songs like “Rock Around the Clock”, “At the Hop”, “Dancing in the Street”, “River Deep, Mountain High”, and 25 more hits.
Jenni's Journey
“Ten years ago I was a newly single mom in Auburn, Alabama with an almost two year old baby girl. My life had definitely not gone as planned. I found myself in a place of need that I had never been before just for the basic necessities of life: a safe and quiet place to sleep, a warm meal, diapers, shoes, and medical care. My family provided safety and shelter, but they couldn’t provide medical care. My daughter suffered with ear infections very early and before we could hardly get a good night’s rest she became ill,” explained Jenni Kight.
“Already struggling with emotional trauma, financial hardship and simple day to day life this felt like a devastating blow. I couldn’t afford food let alone a pediatrician’s visit and hadn’t even begun the process of applying for state medical benefits. My aunt recommended a local clinic where her family care doctor volunteered and when I called they were somehow able to squeeze us in at the end of the day. I don’t remember the name of the clinic. I don’t remember the doctor or the nurse or the receptionist. I honestly don’t remember much about that day except for the overwhelming feelings of relief, safety and comfort.”
Jennie came back home to Statesboro in December of 2013 after being away for four years. Today, her life is much different. She is married to her best friend with two beautiful daughters living in their own home with a loving community to thrive in.
As a member of this year’s Leadership Bulloch class Jennie met Kara Holland, director of The Hearts & Hands Clinic. Holland spoke to the Leadership Bulloch group about the clinic. This brought back powerful memories of how a free clinic, like Hearts and Hands, had helped her during one of the darkest times of her life.
When she started rehearsing for the Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns she felt this would be a wonderful way to raise funds for the clinic through a ticket sponsorship. She approached Synovus with the idea and they agreed to make a generous donation for every seat sold on Friday night to the Hearts & Hands Clinic of Statesboro.
Hearts and Hands Clinic
"It is such a community effort to care for our neighbors while they are sick and have nowhere else to go.” Kara Holland, director of the Hearts & Hands Clinic said. “Jenni's story is an example of what we work toward for each of our patients - moving into stable health, employment, and a future full of hope. Since COVID-19 hit, we've seen a drastic increase in men and women needing healthcare; they need consistent medical care, prescription medication, and health education. Thank you Jenni, Synovus, and the Averitt Center for supporting us in such a fun way. We're looking forward to the show!"
The Hearts & Hands Clinic provides free medical care to low income, medically uninsured adult residents of Bulloch County with chronic conditions. All patients live at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and are ineligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Their purpose is not one of enabling, but to serve the community by providing support for individuals as they seek ways to better themselves. The Hearts & Hands Clinic is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
Synovus to make check presentation
Chad Wiggins, Market Executive of Synovus in Statesboro, will be making a formal check presentation at the end of Friday night’s show to Kara Holland, director of The Hearts & Hands Clinic.
The cast and crew of the Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns have made contributions as well. In addition, the audience for each night’s show will have the opportunity to make a donation with information provided in the playbill. To purchase your tickets for Friday night’s show visit https://www.averittcenterforthearts.org/marvelous-wonderettes or call the Averitt Center for the Arts box office at 912-212-2787.
