Sleepy Hollow Cinema, the newly formed nonprofit working to reopen the historic Strand Theater as a community-oriented, independent movie theater, announced today that it has raised more than $200,000 in its first two months of fundraising — hitting a key milestone months ahead of schedule.
The all-volunteer group had aimed to raise its first $200,000 by August 1. But the response came faster and stronger than organizers expected: over 100 donors contributed at every level to be among the first to back the fledgling cinema.
“It’s just incredible to see the community rally around the idea of a community movie theater,” said Marc Solomon, chair and co-founder of Sleepy Hollow Cinema. “We always believed a lot of folks would get behind our mission, but the financial response has been truly stunning.”
“The community’s overwhelming support is an immense affirmation of our vision to reimagine this iconic building as a place to gather around the creative arts,” added The Strand Theater’s owner, Lou Gruber. “We’re so grateful for the support of our neighbors, and for Sleepy Hollow Cinema’s partnership as we pass this important milestone and kick off the design phase of Strand Creative Center.”
Solomon credits much of the early momentum to SHC’s decision to tie contributions to naming rights across a wide range of gift levels. The cinema is inviting its founding donors to put their names on the wall of the future first-floor theater in the under-renovation Strand building.
“We’ve had a lot of success with our ‘buy-a-brick’ message,” Solomon said. “People know this cinema is going to be a cornerstone of our community. They can picture themselves walking in, seeing their name etched in the wall, and catching a great film with friends.”
SHC will continue its capital campaign as it negotiates a lease with the building’s ownership and evaluates architectural firms to deliver the final design.
Keep an eye out for SHC’s announcement of the next phase of its capital campaign which will be announced soon. “This isn’t just a movie theater — it’s a place where the community gathers, where kids fall in love with film, and where neighbors become regulars. We’re $200,000 closer to that.” said Lauren Perrotta Camia, SHC’s director of fundraising. While lobby naming rights have been claimed by a local philanthropist, interior theater naming rights, the concessions and popcorn area, seats, and bricks all remain available. “Help us get the rest of the way there.”
