06/16/2026
If you missed our fundraising event last night (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) showing at Midtown Cinema with special quests Jade DeVere, Amethyst Diamond and Inside The Drag Closet Interactive Vodcast
Here are the remarks from William Hapeman and Benjamin Dunlap
William, Will or Bill as you may know him:
Hi, everyone.
Thank you all for being here tonight and for supporting the Thom Finn Impact Fund.
Seeing everyone gathered here in Thom's memory means more to me than I can put into words.
Seven years ago, I lost my husband, Thom. What began as a way to honor his life has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined.
The Thom Finn Impact Fund continues to support LGBTQ+ individuals—especially youth—through educational opportunities and programs that improve lives and create hope for the future. Administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, the Fund's mission is to positively impact the lives of others through scholarships, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my friends who helped bring this vision to life, especially our incredible board members. Your dedication and commitment have made it possible for this fund not only to exist, but to thrive. I am so grateful for each of you.
To everyone here tonight, thank you for your continued support and for believing in Thom's legacy and in the importance of this work.
Last fall, the Thom Finn Impact Fund awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships to two deserving recipients: Aurora Shepard and Mariska Melvin.
Through their dreams, determination, and achievements, Thom's spirit of resilience and generosity continues to make an impact. Their stories remind us why this mission matters.
The committee also expresses its sincere gratitude to all the friends of the Impact Fund who attend our events and make direct donations to the Fund. Your generosity and support are what make this work possible.
Thank you for honoring Thom's memory, for supporting this fund, and for helping us create opportunities, hope, and a brighter future for so many.
Together, we are ensuring that Thom's legacy lives on—not just in remembrance, but through action.
Thank you, and enjoy the movie.
Benjamin Dunlap or Ben,
First, Thanks to everyone who participated in our Fall Mt Gretna Weekend Getaway raffle fundraiser… special thanks to Pat and Garey Wilmsen who donated their Mt Gretna cottage as the prize. (Recognize them in the audience)
Also thanks to the Hideaway in Mt Gretna who donated dinner for two.
This evening’s Sponsors are:
Stonebridge Financial Group
Pennian Bank
Sun Motor Cars, and
Capital Blue Cross
Additional financial support provided by:
Phil Wenger and Steve Dinnocenti
Laurie Finn Vance and Dr David Vance
David Skerpon and Chris Baldrige
Our in-kind sponsors are:
Note Bistro and Winebar
Jigsy’s Brewpub and Restaurant, and our wonderful host…
Midtown Cinema.
Last but not least this evenings showing of Priscilla Queen of the Desert would not be possible without the support of viewers like you!
Enjoy the movie.
