By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

It was a theatrical weekend around St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville, when members of the parish’s newly formed King’s Treasure Theater Group made its debut with two special performances of Aesop’s Hop April 5-6.

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According to Jackie Hofmann, who serves on the King’s Treasure Theater’s creative team, the group was created last summer with a two-fold purpose in mind – to teach children about the art of theater and, through hosting performances, it can serve as a way to raise funds for people in need.

The two performances of Aesop’s Hop, which drew 185 guests on Saturday evening and 135 on Sunday afternoon, served as a fundraiser to benefit the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society conference as well as Visitation Home, Yardville, which is a Catholic residence for adults with developmental disabilities.

The St. Vincent de Paul conference was chosen because “it is the namesake of our parish and it has a long history of service in our local community as well as throughout the country and the world,” she said, adding that locally the society also lends support to organizations including the Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and Anchor House, which are all based in the City of Trenton.

As for designating Visitation Home as a second beneficiary, Hofmann spoke of the “very close relationship“ that the staff and residents enjoy with the St. Vincent de Paul Parish community.

“They offer a beautifully Catholic atmosphere to their residents and they exude love and joy of our Catholic faith,” Hofmann said of the mission of Visitation Home.

Based on the enthusiasm of The King’s Treasure Theater cast and crew members and the success of the debut weekend, Hofmann said, plans for The King’s Treasure to host another performance next year are in the works.

“This experience has truly been a blessing from our Lord in many ways,” said Hofmann, noting that the group is called The King’s Treasure Theater “because each member of our cast is truly a jewel given to us by our Lord.” The group is comprised mostly of children ranging in ages from three to 15 as well as six Visitation Home residents.

“This production has been a group effort,” said Hofmann, as she acknowledged Father Stanley Krzyston, pastor, for his support and encouragement of the group’s formation; fellow creative team members, Phyllis Kiernan, Monica Cincotta and Claire Gellman, and all the parents of the young members “who have given of their time and talents to bring it all together.”

“We have been blessed with the friendship of our Visitation Home friends, our children have learned a great deal about the ins and outs of theater production, responsibility and teamwork, all while having a tremendous amount of fun,” she said. “Most importantly, the children have been blessed with knowing that it was all done for the glory of God in giving of their time and talent to those in need.”