WILLIAMSPORT, PA — A family-friendly, rain-or-shine fundraiser benefiting Preservation Williamsport and Girlz in the Hoodie will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at historic Park Place, 800 West Fourth Street, Williamsport. The event will celebrate Preservation Williamsport’s 40th anniversary while supporting both organizations’ community missions.
Tickets are $20 per person, and children age 3 and under will be admitted free. The evening will include indoor and outdoor activities, food trucks, a bar, jazz entertainment by the Great Lakes Wind Symphony, adult and children’s door prizes, a live auction conducted by Ron Roan, a Human Slot Machine, and face painting for children.
Proceeds will benefit Preservation Williamsport’s ongoing Rowley House kitchen restoration project and support Girlz in the Hoodie’s work promoting breast cancer awareness, providing scholarships and helping women and families affected by the disease.
Preservation Williamsport
Founded in 1986, Preservation Williamsport has spent four decades working to preserve and promote the architectural heritage and historic character of Williamsport. The organization was incorporated in 1990 and has remained an advocate for the preservation of the buildings, neighborhoods and landmarks that help tell the story of the city.
Among its preservation efforts is the historic Rowley House, which formerly served as a convent for 70 years. A portion of Preservation Williamsport’s proceeds from the October 2 fundraiser will support the ongoing renovation of the Rowley House kitchen, helping ensure that this important historic property is preserved for future generations.
Through preservation projects, educational programs, advocacy and community events, Preservation Williamsport encourages appreciation of the remarkable architectural legacy created during Williamsport’s development and its celebrated lumber era.
Girlz in the Hoodie
Girlz in the Hoodie was founded in 2016 with a mission centered on breast cancer awareness and supporting women and families affected by the disease.
What began with specially designed breast cancer awareness hoodies grew into a community fundraising effort dedicated to helping others. The organization has continued to raise money through the sale of apparel, fundraising events and community support.
Beginning in 2019, Girlz in the Hoodie expanded its impact by providing scholarships, furthering its commitment to giving back to the local community and helping others while continuing to promote breast cancer awareness.
The October fundraiser brings together Girlz in the Hoodie’s commitment to people with Preservation Williamsport’s commitment to place—two grassroots organizations working to strengthen the Williamsport community in different but complementary ways.
Historic Park Place
The setting for the fundraiser has its own fascinating connection to Williamsport history.
The building now known as Park Place dates to 1864–65, when it was constructed as the Herdic House/Hotel during the period when Williamsport was flourishing as one of Pennsylvania’s great lumber centers.
Located along West Fourth Street and connected to the city’s railroad history, the hotel served travelers arriving in Williamsport during an era when the Pennsylvania Railroad and other rail connections played an important role in the city’s commercial growth. Over the years, the property became known by other names, including the Park Hotel and later Park Home.
Today, the historic property has been adapted for contemporary use while retaining an important connection to Williamsport’s past, making it an especially fitting location for Preservation Williamsport’s 40th anniversary celebration.
A Celebration of Community
Organizers emphasize that the October 2 fundraiser is designed to be a family-friendly event, with activities and entertainment for both adults and children.
The collaboration offers the community an opportunity to enjoy an evening at one of Williamsport’s historic properties while supporting two local nonprofit organizations—one devoted to preserving the community’s architectural heritage and the other dedicated to helping and supporting people within that community.
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, October 2, 2026
5–8 p.m.
Park Place
800 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Tickets: $20 per person
Children age 3 and under: Free
The event will be held rain or shine and will feature indoor and outdoor activities.
Bring your family, invite your friends and make plans to enjoy an evening filled with music, food, fun and community spirit at historic Park Place. With every ticket purchased, guests will help preserve a treasured Williamsport landmark, support breast cancer awareness and scholarships, and strengthen two local organizations making a meaningful difference. Don’t miss this special celebration—come be part of the history and help build a brighter future for the community.
