With their eyes on a larger screen to complement the new projector they purchased in 2024, among other projects, management at the Holland Theatre held their annual fundraiser on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19.
A crowd of loyal supporters showed up, ready to enjoy good food provided by The Syndicate and live music before pulling out their wallets to participate in an auction. They placed bids on items ranging between photos of the new marquee donated by Mac McGinnis to a Downtown B-town Getaway courtesy of Small Nation and the Holland.
“Everything we do when we’re up here is to thank everyone for their support of the Holland Theatre,” Jason Vogel, who previously served as interim director, said at the start of the event. Then the new director, Lance Schmidt, laid out where the funds will go.
Besides covering operating costs, the money will pay for the aforementioned screen, which will be eight feet wider and two feet taller than the current one. The latter is 15 years old and damaged. Thanks to a previous $10,000 donation, they can also buy a new light board, which costs $13,000. They hope to install both over the winter.
Another big project is to finally do something with the upstairs section of the Holland, but, Schmidt added later, “It hasn’t been touched in 35 years so it’s pretty raw.” Still, it would be useful in providing more space for rehearsals, clinics, a classroom, maybe even an Airbnb for guests and performers.
Music for the afternoon was provided by Band of Ravens, the Tom Boone Trio and Bill Purk & Friends. The event included a silent auction and concluded with a live one featuring auctioneer Mick Lile once again volunteering to call out bids.
Besides the attendees, who paid $40 per ticket, the Holland wants to thank the following individuals and companies for their support:
Cracked Pot Studio, Kim Kellogg-Martin and Kathy Cooley-McCracken, local merchants for a Logan County fun basket, Sweet Aromas, The Human Race Theatre Company for Dayton Theatre tickets, Bob and Lois Stoll and friends for the Locals Love the Holland basket, Mark Tynan for show jackets, Laura Haverkos and Humberto Nieto of the Flying Pepper for a gift basket, and, as previously mentioned, McGinnis, Small Nation and The Syndicate.
