The Salem Community Theatre has announced a fundraising “Raise the Curtain’ campaign to pay for new seats and a major renovation of the theatre building.
Theatre Board Chair Drew Johnson says work is already well underway.
“Our goal for our Raise the Curtain campaign is to raise $150,000 for major renovations that are currently taking place,” Johnson said. “We’ve finished the process of acquiring seating thanks to volunteer help throughout the community. We’ve removed the seating and the tile. We’re underway to finish up the painting, and the floor refurbishment is concluding this week as well. Next week looks for us to start drilling for new seat installation.”
The goal is to have all the work completed by the end of October. With the community help with seat removal, they are currently ahead of schedule and were able to save $20,000.
Johnson says they are starting the campaign with $50,000 already in hand thanks to a state grant to provide for the accessibility upgrades. He noted it made sense to do all the renovation at once while the seats were removed.
While the theatre has some funds to support the extended upgrades they have stepped out in faith hoping loyal supporters will help to once again Raise the Curtain by donating towards the improvements.
One of those helping to put together the fundraising campaign, Rene Gozia, says the theatre provides a place of connection for the community and it is an honor to help with the campaign that will provide a fresh space for the next generation to enjoy.
Members of the Board are available to meet with anyone wishing to discuss donations or fundraising opportunities. There will also be ongoing initiatives from the board members to reach out in the coming weeks to area sponsors to discuss giving. Electronic giving is available online at the website salemiltheater.org. Donations may also be mailed to Salem Community Theatre at 101 South Broadway in Salem, IL 62881.
