Crete Rotary Club
Crete, NE
This week, we heard from member Shay Smith for an update on the Isis Theater! She shared about the fundraising efforts of the Blue River Arts Council starting in 2018 through present to raise money for the theater. They include an 80's prom night, the 'Birds Of A Feather' sculpture auction, cruise nights, 'pop-up' cinema nights, Santa in the Park, and musical events, to name a few.
Their total budget for the project is $975,000. They are waiting for one last grant request for $335,000 that closed in January. They will know within the next few months if they received the funds. Those funds will be used for their "wishlist" items like a sprinkler system and marquee. The demolition has been completed (the building is completely gutted!) so they are waiting to hear back about the last grant before starting any projects. The council would like to see the theater open sometime this year. Some of the things the new theater will feature is handicap accessible seating, the projector will be on the ground floor, and seating for 240. The council has also already purchased 1920's tin ceiling tiles they will place in the theater!
Regarding the status of Rotary's grant, no supplies have been purchased, yet, but Shay has been working with the district on either getting an extension or purchasing the supplies now and having them stored for when the renovation will begin.
Thank you, Shay, for the update, we all look forward to seeing the new and improved Theater!