Superhero moviegoers join in food gathering mission
A little Spiderman dropped some packaged food into a box, before swinging between his parents back to their car in time to watch “Avengers: Endgame.” It was still daylight Friday, but twilight was approaching soon.
John Manson, owner of the Starlight Drive-in in Center Township, said this year will be his family's fourth season owning the almost 70-year-old drive-in, and it will be the third year they've partnered with Armstrong to conduct a food drive.
“This'll be the second year we've timed it with the Avengers to do the Avengers theme,” Manson said. “We're just glad to be part of it and help them.”
Customers dropped off canned foods and nonperishables at the concession stand.
Manson said the donated food will be given to the Butler County Food Bank.
“When people donate, they donate more than just one item. They donate about a half dozen or a bag full,” Manson said. “The community has been very generous in the donating.”
Sonnie Frayer of Allegheny Township made it known that blockbuster movies with superheroes aren't just for children. She said she was looking forward to seeing who gets brought back to life, and who stays a victim to Thanos' rage in the Marvel Studios sequel opening worldwide this weekend.
Frayer also felt pretty strongly about the cause. She said the event not only offers a great opportunity for people to help, but it also encourages awareness that there are people who need help.
“I think it's heroic,” Frayer said. “I think it's neat that they compare it to that.”
Manson said Friday's event was as much a hit as it was last year when the Avengers hit the screen.
“It's one of the biggest draws of the season. They're predicting this'll break all box office records,” he said.
In addition to having boxes for food drop-offs, the drive-in hosted some superheroes too, including Spiderman, Spiderwoman, Batman and Robin.
Manson said the costumed characters were volunteers who wanted to help set the mood for the evening and to support the food drive. He said he realized Batman may seem out of place, but who can resist taking a photograph with the Batmobile?
“Tonight we're having a Batmobile and Batman, even though they don't correlate to the Avengers. They're still in the superhero theme,” Manson said.
Juan Gonzalez of East Butler watched as his 2-year-old son, dressed as Spiderman, met with the superheroes. Gonzalez said he found out about the food drive online.
“We were just planning on bringing the baby to a movie,” he said. “(My wife) found out afterward, and he was super excited because he wanted to be Spiderman anyways.”
Gonzalez said it was also nice that they were able to donate food to those in need.
“It was a gloomy day, and now it gets smiles out there,” he said. “I think it's great. They should do it more often.”
Karen Walsh of Gibsonia said she was seeing the sequel after being hooked by the first Avengers.
“I wanted to see how it ends,” Walsh said. “That cliffhanger didn't help.”
Walsh said she remembered how the drive-in had done other fundraisers last year too. She said the commitment to the community has not gone unnoticed.
“I think it's great that this theater pitches in to help the community,” Walsh said.
