 "The outpouring of support for the theater and the community was
overwhelming," said John Maxson, who co-owns the Arlee with wife
Gaye Maxson.
"People came from all over: Springfield, Jacksonville, Illiopolis,
even the Chicago area," said Gaye. It is estimated that 750 people
attended.
"When the day was over and expenses were paid, we had $12,000 to
add to the growing account set aside to refit the Arlee with the
digital equipment needed to keep our doors open," she said. "With
this show of support, we are committed now to working until we raise
the $50,000 needed."
Added to previous funds raised at Trivia Night and through other
donations, the Arlee's current total stands at $17,000.
Kickstarter.com pledges for the Arlee could add another $3,300, but
those pledges will not be seen unless the goal is met by Nov. 5.
"We know some people on fixed incomes gave sacrificially," said
Gaye. "Those were the hardest and most touching gifts to accept. And
the desserts -- our bakers really came through. When we expected one
cake or pie, people were bringing two or three items. Many people
showed up with baskets for the raffle. This is what our community is
so good at. People stepped up and helped in various ways to make the
day go so well. We appreciate every gift, big or small."
Fish fry and bake sale for Arlee
The very enthusiastic response to Dining to go Digital proves the
community wants to keep the Arlee Theater operating into the digital
age.
Rhonda and Stanley Francis were among those strong supporters and
have taken their support up several notches by planning a bake sale
and fish fry for Oct. 26 in front of Skipper's, 141 E. Chestnut in
Mason City.
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"All my friends have fond memories of going to the Arlee as kids,
and now that I have grandkids, I want them to have those memories
too," said Rhonda Francis. "We don't want to lose our theater."
The bake sale will begin at 8 a.m. and the fish fry at 11 a.m.
Both will run until sold out. Ultimate fish chef Jim Miller will be
frying his popular fish and fries.
Donations of baked goods, cash or checks to the Arlee Theater are
most welcome. Baked goods should be dropped off from 7 to 8 a.m. at
the sale site.
All proceeds will go to the Arlee.
Trivia Night encore
A second Trivia Night at the Arlee Theater is in the works for
Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Teams of six to 10 may
compete for cash prizes.
There will be a silent auction and 50-50 raffle as well.
Proceeds will be earmarked for the Arlee Theater's Beyond 77
Digital Drive. Teams may preregister by calling 217-482-3137. This
will be the last trivia session for several months, so don't miss
the fun.
Donations to the Arlee Theater are not tax-deductible, but the
theater operates on a break-even budget with 100 percent volunteer
help. It keeps ticket prices low in order to make family fun
affordable for all.
[By GAYE MAXSON] |
