Westmoreland Cultural Trust Named Non-Profit of the Year by Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

According to a recent economic impact study, WCT contributes nearly $13 million annually and sustains more than 750 jobs within Westmoreland County. As the steward of The Palace Theatre, Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, the Union Trust Building, and the Stark/James Building, the Trust continues to preserve historic landmarks while attracting tens of thousands of visitors who dine in local restaurants, shop at area businesses, and stay overnight in local hotels. In 2024, Westmoreland Cultural Trust welcomed over 157,000 patrons and guests to its events, with approximately 61% traveling from outside the county.

“I am thrilled that Westmoreland Cultural Trust has been selected for this prestigious award,” said Benjamin Luczak, CEO of Westmoreland Cultural Trust. “Beyond our stages and historical assets, we are dedicated to enhancing civic life through our robust education and community engagement offerings, such as Rhythms of Summer, Broadway to the Palace Artist Retreat, Arts Walk, and Art in the Alley. The citizens of Westmoreland County and Southwestern Pennsylvania are at the heart of everything we do. We are so grateful to you for this incredible accolade. Thank you to the patrons, donors, staff, board members, and volunteers of Westmoreland Cultural Trust. You are our lifeblood and our reason for continued nonprofit service. As the largest arts and cultural organization in Westmoreland County and the Laurel Highland region, it’s our duty to educate, inspire, challenge, and serve our community through broad arts and cultural experiences.”

Recent initiatives such as the launch of The Academy at Westmoreland Cultural Trust, part of the organization’s new Education and Engagement Department, highlight WCT’s commitment to creating transformative learning opportunities that connect professional artists with the community. Its inaugural program, Broadway to the Palace, brought seasoned Broadway professionals to Greensburg to mentor students through immersive training, mindfulness, and performance experiences.

Guided by a new strategic plan, the Trust has also advanced several major initiatives recently, including the debut of a new brand and website, the introduction of mobile ticketing at The Palace Theatre, and expanded partnerships with regional organizations such as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh. WCT’s flagship venues continue to benefit from substantial capital improvements in preparation for The Palace Theatre’s Centennial in 2026, including a restored ticket booth, a new state-of-the-art projector, and a new HVAC system. At Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, renovations to the Penthouse Suite have further enhanced the guest experience.

These achievements come alongside growing recognition: WCT CEO Benjamin Luczak was recently named to Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, and The Palace Theatre earned Gold for Best Concert Venue in the “Best of Westmoreland” awards. The Palace also continues to attract top-tier talent to Westmoreland County, with recent and upcoming headliners including Jay Leno, The Wallflowers, Lyle Lovett, Randy Travis, Danny Go!, Bill Murray, and Boz Scaggs.

The Non-Profit of the Year award arrives at a moment of celebration for the organization, as The Palace Theatre prepares to mark its 100-year Centennial in 2026. With a full slate of community events and historic preservation projects planned, the Trust remains dedicated to preserving the past while inspiring the future of the arts.

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About Westmoreland Cultural Trust (WCT)
Westmoreland Cultural Trust is a Greensburg, PA-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a conduit for communities to thrive. The Trust welcomes broad forms of artistic expression, forges purposeful partnerships, and develops meaningful arts education and engagement activities. WCT seeks to engage, empower, and serve the community through consequential programming, arts education, and cultural experiences for all. More information about WCT can be found at www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org