PHASE TWO COMPLETE, MORE FUNDRAISING AND OPENING DATE PROJECTED
Help Entertain and Restore Organization, HERO, announced today that $133,000 has been raised to Save the Webster Theater. Phase One needed $22,500 in order to purchase the building. Phase Two needed $80,000 to purchase the projector, video and sound equipment. The building is now owned by the nonprofit group HERO and the equipment will be purchased after all the options are reviewed and the best company to purchase from is chosen. There is now and additional $90,000 towards Phase Three funds to raise. Capital improvements are needed: the marquee needs to be fixed, interior lobby walls painted, the roof repaired or replaced, and the seats professionally cleaned. There will be concession equipment needs, carpet cleaning and operating costs.
The HERO board was established and the following people are on the board: Jeff Pingel, Tyler Abens, Cindy Scheiber, Deb Brown, Zachery Chizek, Holly Stroner, Jerry Kloberdanz, Kay Ross and Libby Francisco. Board officers will be determined at their next meeting May 27th. There are many opportunities to participate on various committees as well: fundraising, cleaning, party planning, human resources and more.
“This community has donated $133,000 in five months. That’s about $1000 a day! That says a lot about this town and how they support this cause. We are very excited about seeing movies in the fall!” said Jeff Pingel. HERO is projecting an early September 2014 opening. There have been 182 seats sold as of April 30. Many graduated classes are contributing and HERO anticipates selling the seats out. You can go online to www.webstertheater.org or stop by the Chamber office at 628 2nd Street for more information.
Join the fun on May 10 from 11 to 1 pm at Fareway in Webster City for the next fundraiser. HERO will be selling pork burgers, chips and a drink for $6 in the parking lot. Proceeds will go to Save the Webster.
You can now purchase a bottomless bucket to be used for one year from the date the theater opens. It will be used for popcorn and you can use it every time you come to a movie. There are only 70 buckets available and the cost is $60 per bucket. Stop by Seneca Street Saloon or the Chamber office to purchase your bucket. You can take it with you, or let HERO hold it until the theater opens and you’ll receive it when you see your first movie. For more information, call Kay Ross at 515-832-6494 or the Chamber at 515-832-2564.
If you would like to contribute to save the Webster, please feel free to donate online too! Just go here