Seats, names still available for theater/community center
Gene Winkler of Marion Advancement Campaign presented a report Monday to Marion City Commission regarding the foundation's project of a two-screen movie theater and community center.
He reported 40 seats at $500 each had been sold in the current fund-raising campaign "Pick Your Seat." A total of 200 seats are available with a variety of payment options available, Winkler said.
Large donors are being sought who would have the opportunity to name the community center, both movie theaters, and game room in their honor or whatever names they choose.
A $50,000 donation will give a donor the opportunity to name the community center, a donation of $25,000 for the large theater, $20,000 for the small theater, and $15,000 for naming the game room.
The foundation currently has a balance of $50,000, Winkler said. The cost estimate of the project is nearly $1 million, he said.
He explained it was necessary for the foundation to raise $200,000 before applying for a $400,000 Kan-Step grant. When $200,000 is raised, it will be used for the building shell and theater equipment which will save the foundation $45,000 in costs.
Sweat equity will be used as the matching portion of the grant.
Winkler said following an article in the Marion County Record a few weeks ago, a woman from California purchased two seats and others responded to the cause.
"I'd like to see this project get off the ground this summer," Winkler said.
He explained that this is being treated like any other business venture — there will be paid professional staff to operate the facility.
The project was chosen over a recreation center or swimming pool project because it has the potential to be self-sustaining, provide adequate profits to pay bills, and contribute to the foundation for future projects, Winkler said.
A special event is being planned, similar to a formal dinner fund-raiser a year ago.
