One of America’s most beloved classics will come to life this holiday season as WHBC and Stardust Dinner Theater present the radio broadcast adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life, benefiting Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio. 

Adapted by Philip Grecian and based upon the Frank Capra film, It’s a Wonderful Life examines the life of George Bailey, the unsung, beloved hero of Bedford Falls. George is a generous and well-meaning man who has become downcast at the thought of living. It will take help from a lovable angel to show George what life would be like if he wasn’t born—for George to have a change of heart and understand the true spirit of the holidays.

Many years after its release, It’s a Wonderful Life remains a holiday staple, with warm messages about the importance of love and family. But the story also touches on still-relevant financial topics such as the nature of banking, the philosophical calculus behind issuing loans, and the way American families’ financial fates are intertwined. As a local, nonprofit housing ministry, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio embodies the model of offering a hand up, not a hand out by providing families with affordable housing solutions. Qualifying families who have a need for affordable housing are given that opportunity by partnering with Habitat. During the partnership, each family invests sweat equity, which consists of classes on financial success, home maintenance education, and personal development. Additionally, families help other families build their homes until finally getting the chance to build their own. Like George Bailey, Habitat believes in helping people “who just need a couple of decent rooms and a bath.”

In 30 years, Habitat has helped pave the way for more than 545 local families to end their cycle of substandard housing with the provision of secure, affordable places to call home. These low-income wage earners have sacrificed and worked hard to earn an interest-free mortgage. Each family is proof that homeownership is attainable, providing hope to others that the American Dream is possible. Habitat makes an investment in people just like Bailey Building and Loan.

There are currently 30 qualified families waiting for their opportunity to construct their own home in partnership with Habitat. For one of these families, WHBC and Stardust Dinner Theater are partnering with Habitat to provide funding toward a new construction build in 2019. A percentage of all ticket sales will be designated to the 2019 Wonderful Life Habitat Build. Any tax-deductible donations will go directly to this life-changing project.

Through this site you can purchase tickets, make a donation, or even sponsor the production. Join us for a night of community, giving back, and embracing the powerful principle of helping others!