by Shawn Nowlin
There are numerous ways that people can help the less fortunate. Local award-winning playwright and gospel artist Dana Grace Pannell was inspired earlier this year to support Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM) House by producing a pre-recorded theatre production to help the non-profit organization raise much-needed funds.
The largest day shelter in the valley, RAM House, often described as “a place where people in need can get assistance,” helps thousands of people annually who are hungry, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Last year, 3,799 clients with emergency financial assistance were helped, 30,293 nutritious meals were given out and 1,569 people who were homeless were provided day shelter services.
Because every life has a different story, RAM House assistance looks different for each person. Helping those in need is something that RAM House Executive Assistant and Marketing Director Molly Archer takes tremendous pride in.
“Our primary focus is to prevent and alleviate homelessness and hunger,” she said. “We want anyone who comes through our doors to feel welcome and to know that they are in a safe place that they can call home for as long as they need. We help people get the care they need so they can be healthy, and get to the places they aspire to be.”
When Pannell approached Archer months ago about the play and her desire to donate proceeds to the RAM House, she was elated.
Pannell’s play “Date Night” is a tragicomedy that addresses themes of grief, faith and loss through a humorous lens. She, along with Jerome Buckner of Bad 1 Productions, set aside countless hours to produce the pre-recorded play which premiered in February at Grace Covenant Church in Roanoke. “Date Night” can be streamed on Blue Ridge PBS and RAM House’s YouTube channels from November 21 through December 31.
“It is during this season that visitors will come, grief, depression, denial even bitterness, that you don’t recognize that will send you to go into a tailspin, it’s human nature to question why? Our daughter died of a blood clot in her lungs with her teenage son holding her in his arms on New Year’s Eve, 2017,” Pannell said. “That tragedy led me into a hiatus with work in ministry, theater and music. I dedicate all my work in my daughter’s memory who often served at and supported RAM House.”
As an evangelist, Pannell is passionate about spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
“My method of healing is to praise God. I praise though the pain, the loss. It has taken almost three years to get to a point where I could breathe again after losing my child. During the holidays, a loss seems even greater,” Pannell said. “God led me to Grace Covenant Church, which could facilitate such a production. Pastor Chris Shrup opened his church to meet a need in the community for the RAM House.”
Pannell raised sponsorships through local donors to support the additional costs of the play. While “Date Night” is free, donations of any amount are encouraged. For more information, visit https://raminc.org/events/datenightplay or simplygraceproductions.com.