Messenger-Inquirer

No one was trying to make money when Owensboro Christian Church started charging for tickets to its annual Christmas production. Church leaders just wanted some crowd control.

The church's programs are so popular that people can end up standing in the back of the auditorium, said Carson Smith, who is involved with this year's musical.

Concerned about safety, church leaders started issuing tickets, but it was still hard to predict how many people would show up unless people were committed to attend on a certain night, Smith said.

The $2 admission fee helped them commit. Church leaders decided to donate the proceeds to charity. This will be the Goodfellows Club's second year as beneficiary.

"The church doesn't take any profit from this," Smith said. "Last year we were able to give Goodfellows $11,000."

She was principal of Estes Elementary School for 11 years and saw there the good Goodfellows does, Smith said.

"Also, it's an organization where you know all the money goes for the children and none of it is going to waste," she said.

This year's production is "Two From Galilee," a Broadway-style musical based on the Marjorie Holmes novel about Mary and Joseph. "It's just got a wonderful message," Smith said.

Travis and Tara Estes, a real-life husband and wife, are playing the famous couple. The production involves about 200 people, including the cast, crew and orchestra, Smith said.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Dec. 13, 14 and 16. Child care is provided for the Sunday performances only.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 683-2706.

Donations directly to the Goodfellows Club can be mailed to the Messenger Inquirer, P.O. Box 1480, Owensboro, KY, 42302. They can also be brought to the newspaper's office, at 1401 Frederica St.

Today's Roll Call

Previously reported ...$21,886.05

In memory of Marilyn Field Young

by the Marilyn and William Young

Charitable Foundation $1,100

In memory of Erma Lile $50

Mary and Paul Hamilton $25

In memory of Sonny Adelman... $25

Total as of Dec. 2 ...$23,086.05