With their generous support, Martin's Potato Rolls and Bread played a significant role in making the 2023 Portraits of White tenth year milestone celebration a reality. Their commitment to excellence and community continues to shine through, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership over the years.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Martin's for their invaluable contribution in supporting the talented musicians of South Central Pennsylvania. Their partnership not only enhances the experience for our audience but also strengthens our mission of promoting local music and fostering artistic growth in our community.
Here's a little bit more about how supportive Martin's have been, not just to Portraits of White, but to the life of my family, my music and my community...
It Started with Sundaes and Radios
My journey as an artist has been deeply intertwined with Martin's Famous Potato Rolls. During my teenage years, Martin's Family Restaurant and Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe (on Lincoln Way in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania), became a beloved spot for my mother and me. The moments we spent there, savoring hot fudge sundaes or pastries, became treasured memories.
Lloyd and Lois Martin, the founders of Martin's, not only delighted customers with their pastry dough (and hot fudge sundaes), but they also played a crucial role in helping minister Charlie B. Byers fulfill his vision of sharing a radio broadcast with Chambersburg. In addition to baking, the Martins had a love for music and radio.
Lloyd and Lois supported Charlie by building a studio in their home, equipped with recording equipment for the broadcast. Charlie's radio show became a cherished part of my mother's family Sundays. Between the radio broadcast and the pastry shoppe, you could say that Lloyd, Lois, and Charlie supplied nourishment to souls and tummies.
Many years later, thanks to Charlie's broadcast, I got my first chance to do an official music recording in a studio near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. That experience changed my music life – forever.
From Rolls to Flakes
Fast forward to "Portraits of White" 2017, year number four of my vision to bring my Christmas album to life on stage, accompanied by a full orchestra. Excitedly, the dream was materializing – at a hefty cost of over $50K a year. Ticket sales never covered the cost of the event so I had to find ways to make up for that deficit. To help give you some perspective, in 2022, ticket sales covered 65% of the cost of the event. In those days, I was paying for it by doing smaller concerts and working part-time at a church.
When a friend noticed the financial weight I was carrying, he suggested that I find sponsors – and in his kindness, offered to help me. He got the snowball of sponsorships rolling. Eventually, under the direction of a wealth advisor, I put together a plan that would enable me to find sponsorships to keep my dream going every year.
I eventually let go of the part-time job so I could focus solely on my dream. Merry Christmas!
Enter Martin's Potato Rolls. In 2017, Martin's became one of the premier sponsors for my "Portraits of White" event. Lloyd and Lois Martin's legacy rolls on! And once again, Martin's agreed to be a prominent sponsor for "Portraits of White" 2023. That's seven years in a row!!
Thank you, Martin's!
Experience speaks volumes, and there's no better testament than testimonials and event videos. We're excited to share all three videos from the Portraits of White 2023 event, held at The Inn At Ragged Edge, providing you with an insightful glimpse into the experience.
