The Tower
The Tower is built upon a solid foundation of generations of family and friends. Many of our parents knew each other. Some of our grandparents knew each other. There was a long history of open houses and open doors for the holidays or just for a drop by.
The tale of The Tower began on a Christmas Eve in 1985 when nothing should have been stirring, not even a mouse. Stockings where hung by the chimney with care and Charlie and Pat were trying to oust the kids from downstairs. A group of young founders discovered the Kannapell secret stash; spirits where taken, leaving poor Pat aghast. That Christmas Day the Kannapell family photo was bland but the not-yet-so Silver Fox fished the holiday spirit from the can. The next year a few more friends were brought 'round and It's a Wonderful Life on WETA Channel 26 was found. The contagion left Pat and Charlie no choice and their doors were flung open, the masses rejoiced. Pat and Charlie Kannapell continued to embrace the spirit of the holidays over the years and opened their house as more and more friends and family gathered.
Over the years, the Tower expanded their focus from internal celebration to charitable giving and acts. Early on, small contributions where made to support the arts throughout the city. Later, the annual Holiday Caroling was a yearly highlight. Today, the Tower selects one charity a year to be the centerpiece for its annual gala.
Tower selection is by invitation only. Although a financial contribution is not a requirement of membership, a generous and willing spirit is. During the induction ceremony, each individual promises to live by the tenants of the organization. Members are chosen based on their qualities of friendship and community. Echoing the spirit of George Bailey from It's A Wonderful Life, individuals of the Tower strive to keep the spirit of giving and friendship in their hearts throughout the year."
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