Be the first to see new ‘Star Wars’ movie at Columbia fundraiser

Stephen Miano grew up with “Star Wars,” and now he wants to pass it on to a new generation.

That’s why Miano, 39, and his team at That Computer Store in Irmo are putting on their own special screening of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and donating the proceeds so children at a local shelter can see it as well.

“It’s basically an opportunity for a couple hundred of your closest friends to go watch ‘Star Wars’ together and support a good cause,” Miano said.

Miano grew up with the first “Star Wars” movies, starting when his mother carried him into a theater to see “A New Hope” when he was just a year old. He played with the saga’s toys and video games, and he once turned in a college research paper about the series.

At a holiday party thrown last year at their store for customers, Miano and his team tossed around the idea of renting their own theater to watch the new movie, which premieres Friday, Dec. 18.

The idea snowballed into something bigger – a 7 p.m. screening on Thursday, Dec. 17 to benefit the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter in Lexington, which provides residential care to children in crisis, most of whom suffered abuse, neglect or abandonment.

The event, set at the Columbiana Grande theater in Harbison, was set up through That Computer Store, which Miano owns.

Miano said a $30 ticket to the event covers the seat price, $10 worth of concessions and a donation to the shelter. The donations will pay for a group trip to the movies for the shelter’s children. Any proceeds left over will go straight to the shelter, Miano said.

“It’s kind of our way of getting with our customers and our friends and sharing a cultural event,” Miano said.

To purchase tickets, call That Computer Store at 803-462-4199 or visit the store’s Facebook page at facebook.com/thatcomputerstore.