Jana Marie Foundation to hold another 1950’s-themed drive-in fundraiser at Nittany Mall
People looking for a fun and safe opportunity to support local businesses and a nonprofit don’t have to look any further than the Nittany Mall parking lot on Saturday. The Jana Marie Foundation will be hosting its Jana’s Drive-in Diner, a 1950s-themed event, from 5-8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy some 50s-style music and food delivered car-side, courtesy of several area food trucks, including Snyder’s Concessions, Mac & Meats and Brazilian Munchies.
“This unique community event is focused on providing an atmosphere of celebration by bringing people together for a night of great food and live entertainment,” said Miriam Powell, community engagement manager, for the Jana Marie Foundation. “Guests who attend can expect to be greeted by friendly — yet masked — faces. While remaining in their vehicles for the duration of their stay, guests will have the opportunity to order dinner from a variety of local food trucks and enjoy the sounds of live musicians throughout the event.”
Cost for the event is $15 per meal (cash or check only) and, while the event benefits Jana Marie Foundation and its programming, all centered around mental health awareness, Powell said that the event’s focus isn’t only on raising funds.
“While we certainly do hope this event will raise money for Jana Marie Foundation, our primary goal for holding this event is to build community and raise awareness for the importance of addressing our mental health — especially during this time when we are seeing an increase in anxiety, stress and depression as a result of the ongoing pandemic,” she said.
Funds raised benefit student programming in the area, including new virtual programs for middle school and high school students that provide safe spaces for students to gather, talk and grow self confidence. There is no specific fundraising goal.
As is the case with many area nonprofits, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on Jana Marie Foundation’s annual fundraising.
“We had to cancel our annual dinner in March. Our JAM Fest event scheduled back in May, and timed to kick off Summers on Allen, was also canceled. Our second annual Philosophy of Hope concert that was held at the State Theatre last year is now moving to an online virtual platform set to run on the evening of Oct. 10,” Powell said. “This will still be an amazing event sure to inspire those who tune in, but we certainly wish we could have a live audience to truly capture the emotion and hope that typically fill the venue. Jana’s Drive-in Diner provides a creative and effective way to shine a light on the work we are doing, strengthen our community and raise some funds that have been lost as a result of other canceled events.”
To adhere to current pandemic guidelines and ensure the safety of all attendees and volunteers, Jana’s Drive-in Diner guests are asked to remain in their vehicles and to wear their masks when interacting with volunteers, who will be taking food orders and delivering meals. Hand sanitizer will be distributed to guests as they arrive as well.
This is the second drive-in diner event, after the positive turnout from the first event in July. Powell was impressed by the “steady stream of business” for the food truck vendors at that event.
“Attending this event helps to support these small business owners,” Powell said. “We are all living under a tremendous amount of stress. We are all uncertain of what the future holds as this pandemic continues. Our hope is that an event like Jana’s Drive-in Diner offers a brief but likely much-needed escape from the emotional strain we are all feeling, and provides a chance to eat, laugh and relax together.”