Vogue Theatre Restoration Fund Receiving Donations
Manistee, MI – A Vogue Theatre Restoration Fund has been created to accept donations for restoring the Vogue Theatre. On February 9, 2011, Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore helped kick off the restoration project and encouraged everyone to join him as he made the first $10,000 personal donation to the project.
The fund will be managed by the Manistee County Community Foundation. Gifts to the fund are tax deductible and will be used for the restoration. It is estimated that approximately $1 million will be needed to reopen the doors through a volunteer, grass-roots effort directed by a nonprofit organization.
Contributions to the fund may be made online at www.manisteefoundation.org or by check payable to Manistee County Community Foundation (MCCF), including “Vogue Theatre” on the memo line, and mailed to: Manistee County Community Foundation, 332 First Street, Suite 104, Manistee, MI 49660.
Laura Heintzelman, Executive Director of the Community Foundation, says that people are rising to Moore’s donor challenge. Carol Voigts, the first person to donate online to the Fund, encouraged others to join her in supporting the Vogue and even issued a challenge to the community on the Vogue Theatre’s Facebook page. “We all need to pitch in and revitalize Manistee County, and I plan to give regularly to revitalize the Vogue, a real first step to reviving our county!” Other community members, including Meg and Tom Voelker, have also given generously. “We sincerely believe the success of this project will be the catalyst needed to revitalize our downtown area. We just have to roll up our sleeves, open up our checkbooks, and make it happen.”
The City of Manistee’s Main Street Program/Downtown Development Authority recently purchased the Vogue Theatre and entered into an agreement with the Alliance for Economic Success (AES) to organize and begin the restoration process. Yesterday, the AES announced the Vogue Theatre Project and steps to form a project leadership team, begin a new project web site, organize volunteers, and identify the lead contractor and architect for the project. More information about The Vogue Theatre Project is available by contacting the AES at 231-723-4325.
“By establishing the Fund at the Community Foundation, we are making the best use of a community partner that has tremendous expertise in donor and financial management, allowing us to focus our time and attention on the restoration effort and mobilizing community support,” said Cyndy Fuller, Executive Director of the AES.
The Vogue Theatre Restoration Fund is one of more than 50 funds managed by the Manistee County Community Foundation in support of all aspects of the county’s quality of life. A publicly-supported community endowment, the Foundation receives and manages contributions from hundreds of community citizens and organizations who are committed to the future of Manistee County. The Manistee County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For more information about the Vogue Theatre Restoration Fund or the Community Foundation, visit www.manisteefoundation.org or contact Laura Heintzelman, Executive Director, at (231) 723-7269 or mccf@manisteefoundation.org.
