On May 20, 2023, the Gettysburg Eagle Riders again held their annual Roll & Rock fundraiser with a morning motorcycle ride through Adams County. The day continued with lunch, auctions, and entertainment with the live rock band “Black Orchid”.
The annual fundraiser benefits the non-profit 501c3 organization Gettysburg Community Theatre (GCT) and their Penguin Project, a musical theatre program dedicated to youth with special needs.

Dave Heflin, the fundraiser organizer for the Eagle Riders of Gettysburg said, “This fundraiser holds a special place in my heart and for all Eagle riders. We love doing fundraisers for the kids.”
The Penguin Project of GCT is a program that has youth perform a modified version of a musical play once a year, said Chad-Alan Carr, Founding Executive/Artistic Director of GCT.
“These productions are unique, however, because all the roles are filled by young people with developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and other neurological disorders,” said Carr. “Penguins may not be able to fly, but ours soar through the love of theatre arts and the support of our community and donors such as The Eagle Riders Of Gettysburg and The Fraternal Order Of Eagles Aerie #1562 Gettysburg.”
The actors with special needs are joined on stage by a dedicated group of peer mentors (youth around the same age without special needs) who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through months of rehearsals as well as through the final performance.
Heflin estimated the Gettysburg Eagle Riders has raised over $60,000 over the past 5 years to support various charities and programs in the community, not including donations to sports programs.
This year’s fundraiser by the Eagle Riders of Gettysburg featured 26 bikes on the morning ride and 100 tickets sold to the party. The funds raised will be used to cover production costs, including royalties, costumes, microphones, lighting equipment, scenery, and special needs staffing for the GCT’s Penguin Project, Carr said.
Tickets are on sale online now for this year’s Penguin Project production of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jr., a stage musical adaptation of the animated television holiday special. The performances will be held at GCT this December.
More information can be found online at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org or by calling 717-334-2692. We thank you, our community, for saving GCT during the very difficult last two years, now we need you to return to the theatre to enjoy the many volunteer, educational, and performance opportunities we have available year-round as the only community theatre in Adams County!