A successful fund-raising campaign has brought Countryfest Community Cinema back from the brink of financial disaster and has the organization excited about the future.
With customers slow to come back after the pandemic Countryfest Community Cinema launched a plan to raise urgently-needed capital, through a GoFundMe effort and a corporate fund-raising campaign, raising about 80 per cent of its $100,000 goal, said board chair Ron Hedley.
“We again got such good support,” Hedley said.
“I just appreciate how people have come and stepped up to help with the theater every time we ask.”
Hedley said the theatre has paid off in excess of $1.4 million from it’s mortgage in the 15 plus years it has been open, however, pandemic restrictions meant the organization had to drain its reserves to stay afloat during COVID. Getting the crowds back to not only cover operating cost, but to also build those reserves back up has been difficult.
“This is the second time where we said we’re kind of desperate right now,” Hedley said.
“It’s a tough market. We’re pretty self-sufficient, but we also know that we’re at the mercy of Hollywood and the movie quality. It’s going to be a struggle for a while, but we are holding our own.”
To help shepard the organization through the rebuilding, a new manager has been hired.
Angelena Neely brings a wealth of experience in the service industry, with staffing and running businesses.
“She’s been incredible so far,” Hedley said.
“So that combination, along with her excitement, has us feeling good.”
That does not mean the organization is resting on its laurels, Hedley said.
Although plans are still being worked out, Countryfest Community Cinema is planning a membership drive, selling monthly subscriptions to the theatre.
“Ask people to step up. That won’t be any big fund-raising campaign, but more about the same way you pay for Netflix or Amazon or whatever. That would be $20 to $25 a month that goes to the theater,” Hedley said, adding he would hope to sign up 200 to 300 people.
“I think it’s very attainable, because people have always stepped up to help.”