PORT TOWNSEND — A benefit screening of “A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story” — a feature-length documentary about a man nearly forgotten in a mental institution — is planned Sunday.
The screening will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Theatre, 235 Taylor St., Port Townsend.
Doors will open at noon.
Admission is a suggested donation of $10 to $15, and proceeds will benefit Special Olympics and People First, an advocacy group.
At the age of 6, Sackter became a ward of the state. He lived in a mental institution for 44 years and would never see his family again.
After his release, he had a chance encounter in 1972 with a college student, Barry Morrow, who saw a spark of joy in Sackter’s eyes.
The encounter changed both of their lives.
Over the years, Morrow, his wife and many other caring people embraced and accepted Sackter as a part of their extended families.
With a harmonica, a warm cup of coffee and an incredible embrace of life, Sackter grew from a neglected man into a national and international hero for people with intellectual disabilities.
“A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story” features the people who knew Sackter best.
A question-and-answer session will follow the movie, which is described as a documentary about courage, compassion and joy by its presenters, Jefferson County Public Health and the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
To learn more about the film, visit www.BillSackter.com.
For advance tickets and more details, phone 360-379-8934 or e-mail Jenell DeMatteo, executive director of Special Needs Advocacy Parents, at dematteo@olypen.com.
For information about the Rose Theatre’s assisted-listening devices and other amenities, phone 360-385-1039.