Pembina Gorge Foundation Expands Access to Live Theater with Come From Away
NDAD is proud to support the Pembina Gorge Foundation with a $5,000 Gibbens Memorial Grant to help bring individuals with disabilities to the powerful live performance of Come From Away in the Pembina Gorge.

Creating Access to Meaningful Experiences
For many individuals with health challenges, attending live theater can be out of reach due to transportation, financial, and accessibility barriers. This coordinated bus tour is designed to change that—offering participants a unique opportunity to experience high-quality performing arts in a fully supported and inclusive setting.

“NDAD’s grant helps remove barriers and transforms the trip into a meaningful act of inclusion, affirming that people with health challenges deserve the same access to joy, culture, and community connection as anyone else,” said Helen Hutton, Pembina Gorge Foundation Board Member.

Removing Barriers, Expanding Opportunities
Grant funding helps offset the significant costs associated with participation, including:

• Charter transportation to and from the performance
• Companion tickets for direct support professionals
• Mobility and sensory accommodations
• Reduced or no-cost admission for individuals facing financial barriers

In addition, the program ensures flexibility by covering admission to an alternative performance for individuals who are unable to travel with the group due to complex medical needs, staffing limitations, or scheduling conflicts. This thoughtful approach ensures that no one is excluded from the experience.

The Power of Inclusion in the Arts
By supporting this initiative, NDAD is helping create opportunities for individuals to connect, engage, and experience the joy of live performance in ways that might not otherwise be possible.

“Access to experiences like live theater should never be limited by barriers,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director. “When we invest in inclusive opportunities like this, we’re opening the door for people to connect with their community, experience something meaningful, and create lasting memories.”

Continuing a Legacy of Impact
NDAD’s Gibbens Memorial Grant supports projects that enhance health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals in at-risk populations. Established in 2015 in honor of NDAD founders Faye and Ron Gibbens, the grant carries forward their legacy of creating meaningful opportunities and improving lives across North Dakota.