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Riverbend Players Sets Attendance Record and Raises $5,520 for Local Food Pantries

Nehalem, OR, December 23, 2025

Riverbend Players Community Theater is proud to announce that THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON has officially become the most attended production in the organization’s history, setting new attendance and box office revenue records for the community theater.

In addition to its record-breaking run, the production raised $5,520 through a charity raffle benefiting the North County Food Bank and the Nehalem Bay Community Services food pantry, helping support local families during the holiday season.

Riverbend Players extends heartfelt gratitude to all patrons and community members whose generosity made this achievement possible, with special recognition to Nikole Smith, and Giorgio and Lauren Litt for their outstanding support.

The Grand Prize Drawing was held on December 22, 2025, with the following winners:

Kathleen Gibson: Golden Ticket! Season Pass for two front-row seats to all four performances. $200 value.

Laurie Walker: General Reserved Season Pass for two tickets to all four performances. $160 value.

Kathleen Gibson: General Reserved Season Pass for two tickets to all four performances. $160 value.

Jo Cooper: “The Grinch” Outdoor Holiday Lights

Wanda’s Cafe + Bakery generously donated the outdoor holiday light prizes.

Directed by Frank Squillo, THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON combined comedy, community spirit, and charitable giving into a milestone moment for Riverbend Players Community Theater.

Riverbend Players thanks its cast, crew, volunteers, sponsors, and audiences for making this production and its impact truly unforgettable.

Now on to our 2026 Season!

Season Passes are available to purchase here:
riverbendplayers.ludus.com/passes.php

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Do you (or someone you know) need some cheer for the new year? KAJSA LOVE sends letters of kindness and beauty as a gift of the heart to anyone who asks.

Send a mailing address and we will make you something special in January. What message do you need to support you in 2026?

Learn more and make a request online at kajsa.love !

Thank you!
Kajsa

This year was one of growth, change, and major milestones. Most notably, we were proud to open the doors to our new Aquatic Center, a long-awaited project made possible through years of community support, partnerships, and belief in the importance of accessible recreation, health, and wellness. Seeing families, seniors, youth, and visitors enjoying the pool has been a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Beyond the Aquatic Center, this year was filled with programs, events, and moments that brought people together, whether through recreation, fitness, art, youth activities, or simply having a welcoming place to gather. Your patience during transitions, your encouragement of our staff, and your continued participation helped make this year a success.

We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and for the role we get to play in supporting the quality of life in our community. None of this would be possible without the support of our residents, partners, volunteers, and local leaders.

From all of us at North County Recreation District, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a safe, healthy, and exciting New Year. We look forward to continuing to grow, serve, and build community together in 2026.

Justin Smith
Executive Director
North County Recreation District

Dear Cast, Crew, Volunteers, Sponsors, Advertisers, NCRD, and Our Incredible Community,

As the curtain closed yesterday on THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON, I want to take a moment, on behalf of Riverbend Players Community Theater, to say thank you!

This production was something truly special.

Because of the talent on stage, the dedication behind the scenes, and the overwhelming support from our audiences, THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON broke both attendance and box office revenue records and is now the most attended production in Riverbend Players’ history, beating out the previous record holder, A CHRISTMAS STORY, from two years ago.

That distinction belongs to every actor, set designer, stage manager, stage hand, lighting and audio operator, volunteer, and patron who showed up, leaned in, laughed loudly, and made this experience unforgettable.

From the first rehearsal to the final bow, this show was powered by collaboration, generosity, flexibility, and a shared sense of joy. The cast brought heart, humor, and fearless commitment. The crew and volunteers worked tirelessly to make the magic seamless. And our community filled the house night after night, reminding us exactly why local theater matters.

I also want to briefly acknowledge the generosity shown through our charity raffle. Together, we raised $5,520 to support the North County Food Bank and the Nehalem Bay Community Services food pantry. The whole story of that effort will be shared separately, but please know how meaningful that impact truly is.

Riverbend Players exists because of people who believe in creativity, connection, and community, and this production was a shining example of all three!

Thank you for your time, your talent, your trust, and your support. This was a milestone moment for our theater group, and I am deeply grateful to have shared it with all of you.

With pride and appreciation,

Frank Squillo
Director, The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
President, Riverbend Players Community Theater

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All of this crazy weather comes at a time of year where our county’s small businesses are gearing up for a busy Holiday season. It has thrown a wrench in what is typically busy season for them. With that in mind, I have a favor to ask.

Please get out and support our many small businesses – from Manzanita to Neskowin – this Holiday season. Shop for gifts, dine out, enjoy local scenery and attractions. And share the message that we are open and accessible.

Shopping locally is a fantastic way to support friends and neighbors and share your love of our many special communities and the small businesses that call them home.

With gratitude,

Dan Haag
Interim Executive Director
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association