07/19/2026
Running a nonprofit theater is often described as community service, but for me, it has never felt separate from my personal life. It is personal.
I helped fight to keep the Humota Theater open because I understood what would be lost if it disappeared. A small-town theater is more than a place to watch a movie. It is where families make memories, teenagers spend Friday nights, seniors remain connected, local employees earn a paycheck, and neighbors gather without having to travel an hour away.
That work has required more than passion. It has required long hours, fundraising, problem-solving, staff support, difficult decisions, and the willingness to keep showing up even when resources are limited. Like many nonprofit leaders, I often carry responsibilities that would be divided among several people in a larger organization.
I also carry a full private life alongside that work. I am a single mother of 2, I work two FT jobs, and I live with chronic health conditions that can affect my energy, mobility, focus, and stress levels. Some days, success is not receiving a major grant or hosting a sold-out show. Sometimes, success is simply making it through the day while still being present for my children, my employees, and my community.
My experiences have also shaped the kind of leader I try to be. I believe people deserve compassion, dignity, and affordable access to experiences that bring joy. I believe employees should feel valued, and I believe every person who walks through our doors should feel genuinely welcome.
I am proud of what we have built, but I also know that community institutions do not survive on dedication alone. They require donations, volunteers, partnerships, and people who understand that “someone should save it” usually means real people are sacrificing their time, energy, and comfort to keep it alive.
That is why I want to sincerely thank every person who has donated, offered to volunteer, shared their time and talents, supported our events, or helped spread the word about the Humota Theater. Every contribution matters. Whether someone gives an afternoon of their time, shares one of our fundraising posts, attends a community event, or makes a financial gift, they are helping preserve something meaningful for our entire community.
I am especially grateful to everyone who has donated to our roof replacement campaign. A roof may not be the most exciting or glamorous part of operating a historic theater, but it is essential to protecting the building, its history, and its future. Every dollar donated brings us closer to ensuring that the Humota remains a safe and welcoming place for generations to come.
Behind every nonprofit is a human being doing their best. Behind every historic theater is a community deciding whether it matters enough to protect.
The Humota matters to me because people matter to me. I continue to do this work even when it is difficult because I believe in what this theater represents. Community work is personal work—and sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is keep the lights on, the doors open, and a roof over the place where our community comes together.
Sincerely,
Sarah Warner
Co-founder of the Humota Charity,
Board Advisor, and General Manager
