Hobart’s Run extends enthusiastic thanks to California-based film producer Grady Craig, originally of Chester Springs, and the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville for hosting an advanced screening of the independent film “Scrambled” as a fundraiser benefitting Hobart’s Run community initiatives as well as the historic Colonial.

About 200 people attended the upbeat event on December 27, raising about $2,000 for Hobart’s Run and another $2,000 for the theatre’s ongoing preservation. Merchants from Pottstown and Phoenixville were represented in raffle prize donations from Big Phil’s Bar and Grill, Dani Bee Funky, Deliah and Dean’s Groceries, Brookside Family Restaurant, The Blue Elephant, and Artifaqt.

The writer, director, and lead actress Leah McKendrick shared a message with the audience via video prior to the screening.

Several politicians representing the region had lauded the event including Pa. House Rep. Paul Friel and Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler, both in attendance, as well as U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan.

Urscheler spoke about the film and the vital role the Colonial has played in Phoenixville’s revitalization, and he praised Hobart’s Run for its work in partnership with Pottstown leaders.

Craig, originally from Chester Springs, is a 2014 graduate of The Hill School, Pottstown, and the Vice President of Business Development and Operations for BondIt Media Capital and its sister company Buffalo 8, Santa Monica-based film, TV, and content financing and production firms.

This is the second charitable event Craig organized at the Colonial to benefit the Pottstown community through Hobart’s Run and to support the theatre. Last year saw a fundraising screening of his company’s film “Dig.”

“I’m immensely grateful for the overwhelming support shown by our communities for these two revitalization endeavors, in Pottstown and Phoenixville,” Craig said.

 “The audience for ‘Scrambled’ generated a total of more than $10,000 and significantly benefited our charity partners, and the film was extremely well received.  I’m hoping we can continue to build on this special partnership.”

“Scrambled” is a female-led comedy written, directed, and acted by Leah McKendrick. It’s the story of a broke, single millennial — the eternal bridesmaid — who unleashes an existential crisis when she freezes her eggs. The film is both a serious and funny emotional journey and is slated for wide release on February 2, 2024.

The film’s distributor, Lionsgate, graciously approved the benefit screening, which was attended by Hobart’s Run Executive Director Twila Fisher and Hobart’s Run Director of Communications and Community Engagement Cathy Skitko.  Craig also was an enthusiastic presence, and he spoke before the screening about this multipronged effort to give back to two towns with which he feels a strong personal connection.

Read more about the film screening and the initiatives it will support at Hobart’s Run.

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