The Soper-Reese Fundraising Committee is proud to announce that the first phase of the renovation of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre began on Tuesday, June 12. Mind you, we admit that dismantling the air-conditioning units in the machinery space so they can be removed to allow for the electrical equipment room is not terribly glamorous, but nonetheless it marks the first steps in the process. With the completion of the first phase, we expect the theater to be open for limited productions before the end of the year, assuming there are no delays or unanticipated setbacks, which of course there never are in construction projects. Hope springs eternal.
In addition, please drive by the theater on Main Street and Martin and check out our new “Help Us Raise the Curtain” sign, which displays a thermometer, in the form of an eighth note, to track our progress in raising the entire $1.3 million needed to complete both phases of the renovation. Don”t be alarmed by that number because we”ve already received more than $500,000, primarily in city, county and federal grants, which will cover the cost of the first phase of renovation and put us on our way towards funding the second phase. Community donations have also contributed to the total amount we have on hand and we thank all of you donors out there for that support.
Which brings me to the third reason for celebrating our progress toward building a professional performing arts theater. Jim Soper, local patron of the arts, has pledged to donate an additional $200,000 if we can raise $300,000 from the community. As of today, we have raised $200,980 from local individuals, businesses and organizations. This leaves a mere $99,020 left to raise, and we hope to achieve this by Sept. 8, the date of our second annual fund-raising dinner to be held at beautiful Ceago del Lago. Many thanks to all of you who have donated money, volunteered at events, promoted the theater and shared your enthusiasm and support.
The theater was purchased in 1997 and several performances were held there for a short time. Now here we are, 10 years later, well on our way to raising that curtain once more. We still need your financial support and hope you”ll consider making a donation so we can meet the “Soper Challenge.” I hope all of you will raise a glass this evening and toast these remarkable achievements in bringing this county one step closer to having a proper venue for live music, live theatre and the spoken word. Our community deserves no less.
Donations made to the Soper-Reese Fund can be sent to Soper-Reese Fund, PO Box 756, Lakeport, 95453. Contributions are tax-deductible. For more information on the theater or to schedule a private tour, please call Nina Marino at 279-4082.
Nina Marino is the fund-raising chair of the Soper Reese Fundraising Committee.
