Secret Santa offers to foot the bill for town’s movie tickets
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Webster City (KCCI) — A secret Santa in Webster City hopes to spread smiles by buying movie tickets for the entire town.
The donor, who asked to remain anonymous, offered to pay for moviegoers to see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” at the Webster Theater.
The feel-good film about Mr. Rogers starts playing at Webster Theater on Dec. 20 and anyone in town will be able to see it for free during its eight showings.
The anonymous donor’s neighborly act of kindness has Webster City residents buzzing.
“That’s pretty cool,” Webster City resident Tom Nicklasson said. “That’s a nice Christmas gift.”
“I grew up watching Mr. Rogers,” Webster City resident Kelley Trask said.
Webster Theater manager Ann McGlaughlin said the theater, which often struggles to remain open, is bracing for a packed crowd.
“This has become the talk of the town,” McGlaughlin said. “Everywhere I go, people are like, ‘Is it true? Is somebody really going to pay for everybody to come to the movie?’”
The donor told KCCI that he believes anonymity is an important part of generosity.
“Think the definition of charity is to give without the expectation of any return,” the donor said.
He said the reason behind the gift is to encourage people to be more like his hero, Mr. Rogers.
“If you can take nothing else away from this, be inspired to be kind to one another,” the donor said.
Showtimes for “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” at the Webster Theater are listed below:
12/20: 7 p.m.
12/21: 7 p.m.
12/22: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
12/24: 2 p.m.
12/25: 7 p.m.
12/26: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
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