READING, PA- Ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves: That is the theme of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which opened in theaters Friday.

It also might be the life theme of Thomas P. White, senior vice president and wealth adviser at Morgan Stanley in Wyomissing, and three generations of his family. The Whites have supported services for children and youth for more than 35 years.

Thanks to White, nearly 50 children from Opportunity House and the Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs attended an exclusive premier of the movie Thursday evening at the R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX, 30 N. Second St.

About five years ago, White started buying out the 334-seat theater, offering a prerelease screening for his clients. When there were open seats last year, he opened them as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network.

“My daughter, Abigail White, is Miss Northeastern Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen,” he said. “She raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network as her platform.”

This year, client response was down, he said, so he donated 50 tickets to the Children’s Miracle Network and made some local calls.

Inviting boys and girls from the Olivet club came naturally.

“I’ve been involved with the Olivet club for close to 20 years,” White said. “My father (Brad White Sr.) used to be president of the board of directors.”

The senior White continues to run the Olivet Blue Mountain summer camp and was recipient of the club’s 2015 Champion of Youth Award.

The kids were so excited to see the movie and to meet some of the costumed characters, said Kristin Eck, executive assistant for the Olivet.

“The Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs thank Tom for this opportunity,” she said.

Courtesy of: http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/nearly-50-children-get-to-attend-exclusive-star-wars-premier