A call to action… Bonnie Kate Theater seeks help in raising $5,500
Published 11:55 am Thursday, June 4, 2020
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Star Photo/Brittnee Nave The Bonnie Kate has been a historically gathering point where movies have been viewed by many and now has the opportunity to open the door to future events with the help of donors.
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave A board is filled with future plans to keep the Bonnie Kate a vital part of downtown Elizabethton.
Star Photo/Brittnee Nave Jeff Treadway standing beside a board showing future plans for the Bonnie Kate.
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BY BRITTNEE NAVE
STAR CORRESPONDENT
The Bonnie Kate Theatre is calling their supporters to action.
In a newsletter sent out covering the moths of April, May, and June, the business announced a plea for donors to make contributions, future plans of reopening, and upcoming projects.
The letter details expenses totaling to around 5,500 dollars they are hoping to raise.
The following is included in these details:
1. Connecting the Sprinkler System to the Fire Alarm Panel – an estimated cost of 1,000 dollars.
2. Testing and Certification of the Sprinkler System – cost covered by existing project funds.
3. Acquisition and installation of additional fixed seating – an estimated cost of 2,500 dollars.
4. Acquisition and installation of barrier doors between lobby and theater – an estimated cost of 1,000 dollars.
5. Installation of a new water meter and piping – an estimated cost of 1,000 dollars.
As part of the reopening, a sprinkler system approved by the fire marshal is needed.
Jeff Treadway, a city councilman, and John Huber, chairman of the advisory board for the city, said that this will be discussed, and hopefully approved by the end of the week. This new system will allow for a larger capacity of people inside the building.
According to Huber and Treadway, the reason for money being needed is in part due to COVID-19, which caused the theater and its restaurant to close for a period of time.
“We have had no income, so we need to raise some money to get started again,” said Huber.
While the business plans to reopen even if this amount of money is not raised, this money would help in allowing things to run smoother.
In addition to the money aimed at being raised for the listed reasons above, monthly donors called “Bonnie Kate Sustainers” is another goal in mind.
“It’s just trying to get some people who love the Bonnie Kate and want to see it renovated and restored as much as we can, to be a monthly contributor to us,” said Treadway.
These types of donors would typically be people who have a great interest in this historical theater.
These contributions would aid in future projects planned for the Bonnie Kate, including restoration and expansions.
Restorations to the building will include the original appearance of the theater, such as the sign, windows, etc. Additionally, the upstairs would also be restored and available for use.
Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, Huber and Treadway described grants that have been, and are still being applied for that would help fund these projects.
The virus halted several of these grants as well.
Upcoming plans upon reopening include the continuance of showing classic movies, concerts, theatrical performances, improv, plays, etc.
Huber and Treadway described that people always have a story to tell about the Bonnie Kate, and their hope is to continue connecting this to younger generations.
They also want this to become a significant part of the downtown community.
No amount of donation money is too small.
“No contribution is too small because every penny we know comes from a sincere heart desperately desiring this beloved ‘Betsy icon to come to life again and become a magnet for downtown revitalization and economic development,” the newsletter states.
Those wishing to donate can do so by sending contributions to the following: FRIENDS OF THE BONNIE KATE 115 S. Sycamore Street Elizabethton, TN 37643.
“Our vision for the Bonnie Kate is to become like an anchor for the downtown, like a destination,” said Treadway.
