Community Speaker Series

Thursday, March 12, 2026
At 7 p.m., Jimmy Wayne will appear at the Elsinore Theatre for a free community event sponsored by Salem Clinic Medical Foundation. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.

Wayne is best known for country hits including “Stay Gone,” “I Love You This Much,” and “Do You Believe Me Now.” Beyond his music career, he is widely respected for his advocacy for youth in foster care. As a teenager, Wayne experienced abuse, homelessness, and time in foster care before being taken in by a local couple who helped stabilize his life and support his education. In 2010, he walked more than 1,700 miles halfway across the United States to raise awareness for young people aging out of foster care without permanent families or support systems. His cross-country walk drew national media attention and sparked broader conversations about child welfare reform. The March 12 event will feature music, storytelling, and conversation centered on perseverance, belonging, and the importance of supportive adults in a young person’s life.

"This is more than an event," said Ryan Farwell of the Salem Clinic Medical Foundation. "Jimmy Wayne’s story reflects the realities many young people in foster care face, but it also shows what is possible when someone steps in and believes in you. We are honored to sponsor an evening that brings awareness, encouragement, and hope to our community." Organizers hope the event will draw foster families, youth, social service providers, and community members who want to better understand the foster care experience and support local efforts to support vulnerable children. Tickets are required due to limited seating and are available at no cost through the Elsinore Theater website.

The Salem Clinic Medical Foundation proudly to presented internationally acclaimed positive psychology expert and New York Times bestselling author Shawn Achor for a special free event on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the historic Elsinore Theater in downtown Salem.? Achor, renowned for his books The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential, and his TED Talk "The Happy Secret to Better Work" with over 25 million views, shared insights on how cultivating a positive mindset can unlock greater success and well-being in individuals and communities. His work has impacted audiences in over 50 countries, including Fortune 100 companies, Camp David, Harvard University, and underserved communities worldwide.? The evening commenced with highlights of inspiring initiatives in Salem, followed by Achor’s keynote address and a community call to action.