The Avalon Theatre in downtown Easton was the place to be last Sunday night, October 27th.
A buoyant crowd of major supporters celebrated the recent return of this historic Theatre to its former Art Deco grandeur. Entertainment included Billie Holiday Competition winner and local jazz vocalist, Sara Jones, followed by a heart-warming performance by the Avalon Children’s Theatre, and a made-for-the-evening video by the Avalon’s own MCTV.
Just four years ago, the Avalon Foundation was breathtakingly close to losing the Theatre when a local developer made a surprise offer to purchase it from The Town of Easton. Thanks to a handful of generous, quick-thinking supporters, the Foundation raised more than $1 million to successfully buy the building and immediately begin the painstaking effort to address its most critical deficiencies. Every exterior brick was repointed, the stage and dance floor were refinished, the theatrical rigging was renovated, and the electrical and mechanical systems were upgraded.
With the most urgent needs met, the Foundation recently launched the Second Century capital campaign to restore the interior of Theatre to its former Art Deco grandeur, modernize the balcony seating, restrooms and theatrical lighting, and put the Avalon on solid financial footing for the next century.
Avalon CEO Al Bond said, “Every person who has contributed to the initial effort to buy the Theatre and those who donated to the Second Century Fund should take great satisfaction in the role they played in the acquisition and renovation of our beloved Theatre; more importantly, they should be proud of the profound impact that their support has on the Town of Easton itself and on the lives of countless people in Talbot County. Together, we are building a vibrant community for ourselves, our neighbors, and those who follow.”
From the Art Deco-themed tables with floral arrangements by Chesapeake Blooms, Gourmet by the Bay catering, and award-winning Oceano wine, much of the evening’s glitz and glamour was underwritten by Avalon Trustees.
While more than half of the $2.1 million goal has been met, the Second Century fundraising efforts are ongoing. Anyone wishing to learn more or participate in this important initiative should contact Kimberly Stevens at [email protected].
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