Members of the Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society were pleased with the public support at their recent fundraiser
By Kathryn Ross
WELLSVILLE – The Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society is more than pleased with the results of its recent Reel Pulled Pork BBQ Dinner fundraiser and wants to thank the community for its support.
With help from the public and with the support of local businesses, the fundraiser raised $4,578.65 after expenses. The funding will go toward preservation activities including repairs and restoration, grant applications and ancillary costs as incurred.
“We sold over 300 tickets. A huge success in my opinion. There is definitely widespread community interest in our project to save the Babcock,” commented BMTPS Treasurer Kate Williams.
The businesses who helped the Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society with the June 7th , REEL Pulled Pork BBQ fundraiser either by supplying food/supplies, donations, or who helped with ticket sales were – 2 Sisters and a Smoker, Beef Haus, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks No. 1495, Community Bank NA, Computer Solutions/Dana Lyn Designs, Grant Duke Hose Co. #1, Hart’s Jewelry, L’Italia, Modern Diner, Rev’s Needful Things, Still Water Pizza & Grill, Texas Hot and the Wellsville Brewing Company.
“We were also able to donate 40 meal tickets to Ardent Solutions, which were distributed to community members through their Age-Friendly Program and the First Step, Family Resource Center. This highlights how the fundraiser supported not only the restoration of the movie theater, but also our broader commitment to our community,” Williams said.
The fundraiser was organized by Tim Colligan, BMTPS Co-Chair, and Jackie Comstock, board member, with the help of village trustees Jeff Monroe and Mike Roeske who offered their expertise in cooking the dinner. The cooks also had a helping hand from BMTPS Chair Barry Glickstein, Colligan and Sue Amidon. Members of the committee who volunteered to help serve and deliver the dinner were Jackie and Ann Comstock, Angela Glickstein, Cassie Hawley, Chaz LaGreca, Cori Lunn, Kathryn Ross and Williams. Baker extraordinaire Megan Chapman also baked 400 brownies for the dinner.
“It was a great collaborative effort and got our fundraising activities off to a good start,” Colligan said.
As the BMTPS continues its efforts to raise awareness of its effort to preserve the 100 plus year-old iconic building, it will be participating in both the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade and the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Main Street Festival on Saturday of Rally weekend. At that time, along with offering information as to what is happening at the theater, they will also be taking orders for the distinctive Babcock Movie Theater t-shirts that debuted at the dinner. The cost is $25 and they may be prepaid by Venmo, check or cash.
The BMTPS will also be offering the theater marquee in the near future for the posting of public messages. The cost will be $100 for three days. Details are still being worked out.
More information about the t-shirts and the marquee rental will soon be available on the Babcock Movie Theater Facebook page.
The group plans to hold more fundraisers for the movie theater preservation and hopes the public will continue to support the project over the months to come.
