WILKES-BARRE — The Law Firm of Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn wants families to enjoy quality time without the usual stresses of the holiday season, and for the eighth year in a row, it is providing an opportunity for them to do so.

The law firm with offices in Kingston and Scranton sponsors a free screening of Disney Pixar’s “Finding Dory” at 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at the F.M. Kirby Center. All families with children younger than 12 are invited, and seating is limited to the first 1,800 through the door. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., and performers will entertain early arrivals.

Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn will provide each child with a free drink, order of popcorn and a Crayola Sonic Shimmer Dry Erase Board gift.

The film, a sequel to 2003’s widely popular “Finding Nemo” follows lovable aquatic characters Dory, Nemo and Marlin as they embark on an adventure to find Dory’s family.

Director of sales and marketing at the Kirby Center Anne Rodella said the annual free film screening is a popular event that draws lines that extend out the theater’s doors.

“We love this tradition,” Rodella said. “We’re thankful that Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn continue to come back year after year and offer this event to the community.”

Rodella has worked the event for the past two years and said theater staff work hard to accommodate the large crowd that tends to arrive all at once.

“There’s an audience coming in who might be in the Kirby Center for the first time,” Rodella said. “It was quite moving the first year I helped.”

Business manager for Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn Sue Greenfield said the annual event started when someone in the law office came up with a winter engagement for children in the community.

“Our children’s group gives (bicycle) helmets away during the summer,” Greenfield said. “We wanted to have a community project in the winter.”

Greenfield said the law firm rents the theater for the day and chooses a movie to show.

“The past few years, it’s been a Disney movie,” Greenfield said. “This year ‘Finding Dory’ was the new, hot one.”

Greenfield said for families with several children, a holiday trip to the movie theater can add up financially and the law firm’s goal is to take some of the burden out of family time.

“We want to make sure nobody feels like they can’t get something,” Greenfield said. “That’s why we provide all the refreshments. We want people to enjoy it and not feel any pressure. We have a magician, a juggler and Jeanne Zano’s band playing music. It’s a good, festive environment for everyone.”

Brock Snyder, 7, of Wilkes-Barre, grabs some popcorn to watch the movie ‘Minions’ at the Kirby Center last December. This year, the annual free movie sponsored by the law offices of Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn features a free screening of ‘Finding Dory.’
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL121315Minions1.jpg.optimal.jpgBrock Snyder, 7, of Wilkes-Barre, grabs some popcorn to watch the movie ‘Minions’ at the Kirby Center last December. This year, the annual free movie sponsored by the law offices of Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn features a free screening of ‘Finding Dory.’ Sean McKeag | Times Leader

Giana Fuderici, 6, of West Pittston, greets a Minion at the Kirby Center last December. This year’s event will feature entertainers and live music prior to the screening of ‘Finding Dory’ at 2 p.m.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_TTL121315Minions2.jpg.optimal.jpgGiana Fuderici, 6, of West Pittston, greets a Minion at the Kirby Center last December. This year’s event will feature entertainers and live music prior to the screening of ‘Finding Dory’ at 2 p.m. Sean McKeag | Times Leader
Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn sponsors free movie

By Matt Mattei

mmattei@timesleader.com

IF YOU GO:

What: Free screening of ‘Finding Dory’

When: Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Movie starts at 2 p.m.

Where: F.M. Kirby Center, 71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre

Additional information: Admission is free for the first 1,800 people to arrive. All families with children younger than 12 are welcome. Children receive a free drink, popcorn and gift. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reach Matt Mattei at 570-991-6651 or Twitter @TLArts