Founding executive directors are often synonymous with the nonprofits they’ve built. When it comes to Jeffrey Gabel and the Majestic Theater, it’s hard to imagine one without the other.
That’s why, when Jeffrey Gabel announced his retirement from the Majestic in February, there was an immediate sense of disbelief that has turned to a chorus of thanks.
There’s a simple reason for this reaction: Jeffrey offers a warm welcome to every audience member arriving at the Majestic Theater. When a performer tickles the audience’s funny bone, his distinctive laugh rings out above all the others. In between shows, he is busy managing the complex choreography of a college performing arts center engaged in a perpetual dance with a community theater.
He is Gettysburg’s beloved “Mr. Majestic”.
Twenty years ago, Jeffrey Gabel was hired by Gettysburg College to oversee the renovation of the historic Majestic Theater and launch it in a new direction. As Founding Executive Director, he adopted the vision of the Majestic as a bridge between the College and the community. The Majestic would serve both as a rehearsal and performance venue for the Sunderman Conservatory of Music and as a film and stage theater for the entire community. For two decades, Jeffrey has brought that vision gloriously to life.
“All of a sudden there was this theater that offered fantastic live shows, great movies—there was something wonderful to do all the time,” said Julie Ramsey, former Gettysburg College Dean of Students, continuing, “But really, it’s Jeffrey’s spirit of generosity and welcome that has made the Majestic a very special place.”
Jeffrey Gabel’s influence extends beyond the reach of the Majestic Theater. His friend Danny Sebright said, “Jeffrey Gabel has been a force for good and creative change in Gettysburg. As a friend and mentor over the years, Jeffrey’s passion for the arts and for community philanthropy has inspired me and so many others to be our best selves in also giving back and passing it on.”
Community member Sharon Magraw expressed her appreciation to Jeffrey with a string of superlatives: “Jeffrey, your insight, vision and leadership has been spectacular, impressive, amazing and extraordinary! Not to mention your dapper bow ties. Thank you!”
Gettysburg College students and community members from Adams County and beyond have all found something to lure them to the Majestic. In addition to the Sunderman Conservatory’s musical performances, programming has regularly featured A-list performers, an annual production of “A Christmas Carol” and extraordinary special events like the 2023 first-ever film festival dedicated to the work of documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
Based on this community’s groundswell of affection for Jeffrey and appreciation for his inspired efforts to bridge the College and the community, the Adams County Community Foundation recently created the Jeffrey W. Gabel Fund For “Carry On Laughing.” The Fund is a permanent endowment which will provide a grant to the Majestic each year specifically, at Jeffrey’s own request, to support comedic performances.
Janet Riggs, former president of Gettysburg College, said, “Jeffrey has been a gift to the college and to the community. He takes such joy in comedy, in entertaining people, making people feel good . . . a fund that focuses on that area is perfect.”
Community Foundation board member Cynthia Salisbury said, “This Fund will keep Jeffrey’s spirit alive and going over at the Majestic.”
You can honor Jeffrey and his work at the Majestic and in Adams County by making a gift to the Jeffrey W. Gabel Fund for “Carry On Laughing” at the Community Foundation. The Fund is open for contributions now or during the Giving Spree on November 9 — visit AdamsCountyCF.org and use the Donate Now button, or send a gift to the Community Foundation 25 South 4th Street Gettysburg, PA 17325.
Ralph Serpe is President & CEO of the Adams County Community Foundation and invites you to honor Jeffrey and sustain his joyful spirit in Adams County with a gift to the Jeffrey W. Gabel Fund for “Carry On Laughing”