Celebrating the Magic” raised a record $55,000 through sponsorships and ticket sales. After expenses, the Vandalia-Butler Foundation has allocated the balance of more than $40,000 for future grants.

John Michael Hinton, a magician featured on the TV series “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” headlined an afternoon of magic and music in Butler High School’s Performing Arts Theater (PAT) Sunday, April 24, 2022.

Nathan Edwards, anchor for the morning show at ABC 22/Fox 45, emceed “Celebrating the Magic,” a family-friendly event commemorating the 20th anniversary of a major renovation of the Performing Arts Theater into Vandalia’s venue for magnificent theatrical and musical performances.

New York actor and performer Coleman Hemsath, a 2011 Butler High School graduate, returned home to be part of an eclectic, entertaining show that also featured solos and musical performances from Butler’s ensembles, a silent auction, raffles and, for the first time, an alumni choir.

Ticket sales benefited the Vandalia-Butler Foundation, which supports innovative classroom projects in the Vandalia City Schools and other community projects.

The PAT’s transformation was spearheaded by Margo Steinbaugh, a retired school teacher who led a communitywide fundraising campaign that raised approximately $263,000 — a sum matched by Vandalia City Schools.

“Celebrating the Magic” was co-sponsored by The Steinbaugh Family, Vancon General Contractor, Minster Bank, Beau Townsend Ford, R.B. Jergens, Thrivent, Advanced Periodontal Center, Crossroads Coins, Berkshire Hathaway, Vandalia Optimist Club, The Waffle House, Woods and Associates and over 20 other local businesses.