DIGITAL CONVERSION WE NEED YOUR HELP
The Historic Onarga Theater is in danger of closing its doors forever.............
After being a staple in the community for almost 75 years. Digital projection is here and has changed the way movies are being shown. There has not been such a huge change in the movie theater industry since they introduced sound over 75 years ago.
How movies are shown at Onarga Theate has been around for years using a 35mm film projector and platter system. Although there is nothing wrong with our equipment...the industry has been slowly converting over to digital movie prints which requires a special digital projector that the movie industry has approved and a internet conncection and other various fees. The time has come where all movie theatres have to change the way they show movies and are being forced to purchase a new projector or go out of business. 35mm print movies are being produced less and are expected to no longer be made by as early as the end of 2012. . Which makes getting movies harder and harder. For the larger movie theaters, this is not as big of a deal, they actually get paid from the movie companies to replace their equipment but to theatres like the Onarga Theaters single screen , it could prove to be devastating. The cost to convert the Onarga Theater to digital is $65,000, and this is without 3-D capabilites which would add quite a bit more to that amount.
The Onarga Theatre is family owned and operated which in this day and age is rare. Owners of the past have put their own money into the theater to keep it alive. We are no exception, since we have took ownership we have made many improvements to the theater both seen and unseen. We have had to make many repairs in the building and the equipment. We have updated the sound system so that it is able to reproduce the sound of movies of today and be digital ready. We have replaced equipment and the way things are done here at the Onarga Theater to make it a better place for everyone to go. The Onarga Theater cannot absored anymore debt than it already has. Operation expenses have doubled and in some cases tripled since we took ownership in 2008. We try really hard to make the Onarga Theater a place that everyone can come and enjoy. Our pricing is very inexpensive compared to the larger theater chains. We are happy if at the end of the year we can break even. And that of course doesn't include the many hours each weekend we spend at the theater and the many hours during the week organizing the movies, stocking the concessions etc and we never take a paycheck, if we are lucky enough to make a few dollars it goes right back into the theater for needed improvements.
We enjoy coming to the theatre each weekend and sharing the movie experience with so many. We have the best customers in the world. We strive to keep the theatre open and at a cost where all families can come and share the experience with their children. This projector conversion is one that could force us to shut the doors. Although financing for it is available, the theatre would not be able to afford additional debt to this extent. Therefore, we are reaching out to our surrounding communities for support in this.
How can you help? Well there are many ways that you can contribute to keeping the Onarga Theaters doors open and us being able to raise the money needed to make the conversion. There are so many ways that you can help and we have listed some of them below..
1. Come to the theater and enjoy a movie with friends or family.
2. Purchase concessions from us and please do not sneak in food or drink.
3. Purchase a Save our theater shirt . All proceeds from the shirts go to the digital fund.
4. Advertise with us on-screen. Not only is it tax deductable but it is a great way to advertise your event or business
5. Purchase our special popcorn tub for gift giving available soon..
6. Come to our special family classic movie night that will be coming up in September. Where all proceeds will go towards digital.
7. Purchase gift certificates for gift giving.
8. Cash, check, or anything of value we can sell will be greatly appreciated. You can drop it off, send it in the mail, or we will come pick up whatever it might be. Please call 815-383-5988 or send to Onarga Theater Digital Conversion Fund P.O. Box 22 Onarga Il. 60955
9. Any other fundrasing ideas you might have please call or email us.
10. Sign up with iGive.com and pick us as your cause.
Together we can save the Onarga Theater.
Thank-you to everyone who has or will contribute we really do appreciate your kindness and we will keep working hard for you...
Funds raised will go toward the projector conversion cost. We believe that we can reach our goal and keep the Onarga Theater Alive.
Without this fundraising effort the ONARGA THEATER will be forced to close its doors forever.
IN THE NEWS
Save the theater T-Shirts on Sale now. Please order on today all proceeds will go towards our quest to go digital and save the Onarga Theater. Shirt cost is $8.50 for sizes S-XL add $2.00 for sizes 2XL or 3XL They are now on sale at the Onarga Theater or Iroquois Print and Sign Design or you can call 815-268-7446 and have yours shipped to you where ever you might be. Shipping will be extra. Thank-you so very much.
Money raised is from our generous donors and from the on-screen advertisers, our Christmas movie sales and theater rental.
ADVERTISE WITH US ON SCREEN and ALL OF THE PROCEEDS GO TOWARD OUR QUEST TO CHANGE OUR EQUIPMENT TO DIGITAL AND KEEP OUR DOORS OPEN.. ITS TAX DEDUCTABLE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.. RATES ARE ONLY $60.00 A MONTH OR SIGN UP AND PAY FOR A YEAR AND ITS ONLY $50.00 A MONTH WHERE CAN YOU GET SO MUCH ADVERTISING FOR SO LITTLE MONEY. ONLY AT THE ONARGA THEATER.
