Fund Drive Started for Paramount Center in Peekskill
With what has been described as a “severe drop” in funding for non-profit organizations over the last two years, the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill has launched a fund drive with a goal of raising $300,000.
The Board of Directors for the Brown Street theatre made a public appeal to members and patrons earlier this month asking for contributions.
“We are in a position that requires a candid, direct and honest plea to those who over the years have enjoyed what has been presented at the historic Paramount theatre in Peekskill,” the board stated in an e-mail. “The Paramount budget has been cut to every extent possible zeroing in only on those expenses that are directly necessary for the organization to carry out its core mission. In short, more contributed revenue is needed now if we are to continue to provide you with the Paramount experiences you love.”
Offering a wide variety of live performances, high quality films and visual art exhibits, the Paramount has been drawing larger audiences in recent months, but, according to the board, regardless of how successful box sales are, it’s donations and contributions from other sources that tip the profit scale in the right direction.
“With new leadership in place at the theatre for the better part of nine months, our programming and film presentations have become more successful than they have been in many years,” the board stated. “Our theatre operations have never been better and our dedicated staff and hard working, enthusiastic volunteers carry out their varied responsibilities in a highly professional manner on a daily basis.”
Paramount Director Lisa Reiss appeared before the Peekskill Common Council last week with Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber Executive Director Deb Milone to talk about theatre’s September 15 red carpet gala featuring rock group Foreigner.
Approximately 1,000 guests are projected to attend the gala. Organizers have requested closing North Division Street to accommodate receptions before and after the show at 12 Grapes.
For more information on the Paramount, visit www.paramountcenter.org.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
