Unlike a certain gloomy resident of Bedford Falls, Allen Quirk Jr. knows that he’s had a wonderful life.
The Harrisburg native considers himself particularly fortunate, with a long, satisfying career working for the state and few financial concerns.
So, in retirement, Quirk has dedicated himself to giving back to a city and region that have provided him with so many opportunities.
“I’ve lived in Harrisburg all my life,” said Quirk, 75. “I feel that I owe something to the community.”
For more than two decades, he’s been active in organizations like The Salvation Army, the Capital Region Partnership for Career Education and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
But Quirk may best be known for his role with Habitat for Humanity’s Home for the Holidays Concert, a benefit for the organization that helps build homes for low-income people.
Each year, come early autumn, Quirk leaves his apartment at River Plaza on N. Front Street armed with a stack of invitations to the concert, which features the Eakin Piano Trio and takes place at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral downtown.
He personally delivers them to anyone he thinks may be interested in attending. But here’s the catch: it’s all on him.
For his guests, Quirk foots the bill for the whole shebang, which includes the concert, plus the feast that follows prepared by the Harrisburg Gourmet Society.
And everyone’s welcome, not just the folks he personally has invited. Just show up and walk on in and say you’re with Allen.
“Come on in and be my guest–and bring your family,” he said.
Quirk began this tradition about 15 years ago. He already had attended the concert, now in its 22nd year, and had an idea.
“I wanted to do something to get more people to attend this wonderful event–and I wanted to do something for the people of Harrisburg,” he said. “So I thought, ‘What if I just take care of everything for them?'”
Quirk estimates that his efforts typically bring in about 50 attendees each year for a venue that holds as many as 350 people.
Eve Wahhaus, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, said that Quirk takes on a range of responsibilities for the event–from recruitment to publicity to signing up sponsors.
“He really is why the event is so successful,” she said. “For a long time, Allen has been the primary catalyst behind the concert.”
In recognition of Quirk’s contributions, Harrisburg Habitat honored him with a Humanitarian Award in 2008. It was one of many honors that Quirk has received for his volunteer work since he retired from the state two decades ago. In 2004, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC recognized Quirk’s contributions with its Distinguished Volunteer Service Award.
As for the future, well, Quirk has no desire to slow down. Most days, he’s out walking the familiar streets of Harrisburg, heading to another event or meeting. He’ll meet up with just about anyone, anywhere, at any time, if it’ll help one of his charities.
The Home for the Holidays Concert, however, may be nearest to his heart, as he finds it so inspiring.
“When you leave the church, you have love in your heart for humanity,” he said. “It’s about the gift of love that we all receive.”
The 22nd Annual Home for the Holidays Concert takes place Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg.
