The Avalon Foundation recently held an event to celebrate the STARS: Save The Avalon Restoration Supporters.
These STARS rallied in the Spring of 2015 to help the Foundation raise nearly $800,000 (in three short weeks) allowing the Foundation to purchase the Avalon theatre and begin urgently needed repairs.
At one point, the Town of Easton considered an offer from a private citizen to purchase the theatre. At the time, the Foundation was forced to exercise its long-standing purchase option for $406,000 or lose control of the very heart of our operations. The STARS responded quickly to calls from Board members, staff members and supporters.
The Avalon has been in desperate need of repair and maintenance. In fact, the cost of these repairs influenced the Town’s decision to sell the theatre. Years of deferred maintenance was threatening the infrastructure of the historical building. Water damage, outdated wiring, damaged woodwork, falling plaster, and outmoded stage technology had reduced the beautiful theatre to a memory of its glorious beginnings.
With the help of the STARS and the concerted efforts of our Board, the Producers’ Guild and the many friends of the Avalon, the Foundation has now completed the brick work and other infrastructure repairs throughout the building.
The Avalon is moving forward with a strategic plan to make the theatre the showplace that it was meant to be from the moment of its birth in 1922.
The Foundation sincerely hopes the community will join together with the Avalon and move forward toward a bright future.
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