Image Credit: Penmar Community Arts Society
April 09, 2016 - 3:01 PM
PENTICTON - The Penmar Community Arts Society received an exciting boost of support from a donor today, April 9, with a $35,000 matching contribution to the current Open-The-Doors fundraising campaign.
Identified as Pig Butler, the donor party is keen to see this project succeed.
The Society hopes this contribution will spur another burst of pledges and donations from the community.
“This donation is a massive show of support for a community theatre. We are inspired by their commitment to this cause and excited about being so much closer to our end goal," board member Jennifer Vincent says. "The beauty of the fundraising model we are using is that anyone can contribute at any financial level. It all helps - and if we succeed, the entire community wins.”
The Society is using a crowdfunding model which provides a variety of funding options. When you contribute, you can also choose to receive a tax receipt, or one of the many rewards such as a dedication plaque on a theatre seat, pre-paid movie tickets, or society memberships. There are also rewards better suited to businesses and performance organizations, like advertising packages and theatre rentals.
“We tried to make our funding options as varied as the people who will eventually use this facility” Society president Kerri Milton says. “A community theatre is a resource for families, for cultural groups, and for local business. It needs to be affordable and accessible, and our fundraising reflects this.”
The Society has already purchased seats, projectors, and screens. Upgrades have been done to the interior finishes of two auditoriums and electrical systems. Once the funding is in place, the actual renovations are expected to take about two months. Two theatres will be operational and a licensed concession will serve local wine, beer, espresso, tea, alongside the usual fare. One theatre will be largely used for film and lectures, while the other can accommodate both of those activities as well as live performances.
The fundraising campaign initially was set to finish in April 1, but has been extended for the next month.
A goal of $165,000 is targeted to complete the renovations.
Anyone interested in contributing to the campaign can visit the website www.open-the-doors.ca. Payment is accepted in the form of cash, cheques, Paypal and credit card. Questions can be directed to info@penmar.ca.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016