Local talent, theatre nostalgia and Hollywood history took the stage at the Holland Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 20. The event aimed to raise money to purchase a new state-of-the-art projector, an expensive item for the venue.
“The money needed is a moving target,” Holland board member Jason Vogel said. “About $75,000 will be needed, but we’d prefer $125,000.”
Sunday’s event got things going, bringing in almost $20,000, including outside donations and raffle earnings, according to Kris Swisher, Holland board president.
Besides the raffle, the fundraiser featured a silent auction with golf outings, gift baskets, donations from local artists and businesses, and a selection of framed film stills from the Holland’s own collection.
To start the program, auctioneer Mick Lile called out bids for Hollywood memorabilia, overnight stays and original art. For instance, Vogel purchased a 1977 Star Wars T-shirt for $750.
The audience enjoyed music from pianist Tom Boone, classic rock with Band of Ravens, the StarLiners jazz quartet, soloist Miriam Stoner, and David Collillo, a classical pianist from New York City.
In addition, Greg Titus, Holland executive director, said the theatre’s most recent fundraising effort — to reinstate the marquee — will be fulfilled in a few months. The supplies have been ordered.
They’re aiming for the end of the year, or early January, to have the marquee in place. That event will be celebrated with a gala. The community will be invited to watch as they light it up in a way that matches photos from the original 1931 opening of the Holland.
“It’s fantastic to have people from central Ohio support us,” Titus said. “The Holland is one-of-a-kind, and more and more people are noticing.”
