RUTLAND—Eight fun and funny couples are lined up and tickets are on sale now for February’s Pack The Paramount “Newly”wed Game to benefit the Rutland Community Cupboard, BROC’s Community Food Shelf, and the Salvation Army.
The Feb. 9 event, presented by WJJR and Green Mountain Power, will feature couples Joel and Bernadette Robin, Eliza and Jarod Wilcox, Liam and Danielle Monroe, Eli Brannon and Tyler Hock, Colleen and Bill Wright, Claudio and Brenda Fort, Brooke and Tim Markowski, and Anna and Stephen Montanez. They’ll compete in a live version of the popular TV show, with host Ed Kelly posing questions guaranteed to make for a raucous night.
“If you saw the first two editions of the show, you know it takes fun, brave and generous souls to get out on the stage and play,” said GMP Vice President Steve Costello, one of the organizers. “The night promises to be filled with fun, laughter and maybe a few awkward moments as the couples learn what they know and don’t know about each other.”
The Pack the Paramount “Newly”wed Game is a rebranding of the long-running Pack The Paramount Food Drive. Instead of collecting food items, the goal is to pack The Paramount’s seats with patrons, with sponsorship and ticket sales benefiting the food shelves. Last year’s event raised more than $24,000.
Terry Jaye, program manager at Catamount Radio, and longtime radio personality and “Newly”wed Game host Ed Kelly, who participated in the first year as a contestant with his wife Fran, said tickets are expected to sell quickly.
“It is a night of fun and important fundraising for some vital local organizations,” Jaye said. “Tickets have always sold very quickly, so folks won’t want to drag their feet when deciding whether or not to attend this night of laughs! Each year we’ve sold more than the last!”
Paramount Programming Director Eric Mallette said the event has exceeded expectations each year. “Raising funds for local food shelves and a night of absolute hilarity… does it get any better? This event best exemplifies the Rutland that I love – community members coming together to help others that need a hand up. What a great night!”
“We are excited to support the food shelves, but understandably nervous about the night,” contestant Eliza Wilcox said. “But a little bit of nervousness is a small price to pay for such an important cause.”
Tickets went on sale Dec.15. Purchase at the Paramount Theatre, online at paramountvt.org or by calling 802-775-0903.
