More than $600,000 has been gathered in pledges to keep the theater from being turned into office space thanks to a grassroots effort of concerned citizens who started an online petition as well as a SaveLarchmontMoviesFacebook page.
Larchmont residents Elizabeth Bradley, Vicki Rosenstreich and Ellen Zuckert, as reported earlier, are still talking with residents and theatergoers about contributing to the cause, as well as meeting with potential partners to form a cross-sector partnership in which the community group could operate the theaters.
"This is a model currently used by the community in Bedford, where there is a for-profit landlord and the community group is renting and renovating the theater," said Zuckert.
Their ultimate goal, she explained, is to get several leadership pledges of $100,000 or more. This money will only be collected, she stressed, if the the group buys the building or partners with a private buyer.
"This summer has proved to be a crucial turning point for the Larchmont Playhouse, as the community has rallied to save its historic theater," added Bradley. "Having federal nonprofit status demonstrates to our supporters and would-be supporters that our cause is a worthy one - -and that the goal is in sight, with their help."
Go to www.larchmontplayhouse.org/ or www.facebook.com/SaveLarchmontMovies/ for more information.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mamaroneck and receive free news updates.