This Valentine’s Day weekend, the Garner Historic Auditorium will be full of the perfect gift – community. Garner Historic Auditorium Director Britt Crews said the entire show is a gift from each person to their neighbor.

“That’s why I love the Gift, because it’s a gift in so many ways,” she said.

The 25 acts will share their talents, but Crews said that there were so many gifts given to make the show possible.

Tammy Kennedy designed the painted flats that will frame the stage for free. Extra lights were lent to the auditorium by N.C. State.

The show is dedicated to the memory of former Mayor Don Rohrbaugh, who gave his gift of service on the Town Council and in the community.

Many of the performers give back to the community all year – not just one day.

The Town of Garner usually sponsors the event, but had to cut back on the budget. Paul Capps, who will perform an acoustic guitar duo with Lynn Dunn, donated funds to help the show go on. In addition, the Civitans gave to the cause.

Arlie Honecutt will sing “On My Own” from Les Miserables during the show, but she is also a big activist for making local children’s theater dreams come true. She came up with the idea to sell concessions in the lobby during Towne Players’ events. The funds raised go to sending children to theater camp at the GHA in the summer. Last year, 11 children were able to participate in the camp because of the money Honeycutt and the Towne Players made.

Former Miss North Carolina and Miss Garner Amanda Watson will perform during the event as well. She is an activist for ALS.

“These people are givers,” Crews said. “There’s all ways to give.”

Crews said the show is a great evening of entertainment, but it is also a good way to meet your neighbors and enjoy the many gifts Garner has to offer.

“The whole thing comes together to build a stronger community, which I really love,” Crews said.