Plaindealer Staff Report

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The Ridgway Chautauqua Society, operators of the Sherbino Theater, have announced that their goal of raising $25,000 by the end of 2012 has been met and exceeded. A Ridgway resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, will provide $25,000 in matching funds, for a total of $50,000 raised in the 60-day fundraising period. The funds will help the Sherbino Theater complete its renovation plans and continue on its path toward the purchase of Ridgway’s Community Theater.
Pat Willits, Chair of the Ridgway Chautauqua Society, said, “Thanks to everyone
who donated. It has been truly a community–wide effort. Meeting this recent challenge/match gives us the financial wherewithal to take more giant steps towards completing the
planned interior rejuvenation at the Sherb. We began interior renovations last August, added
state-of-the-art film projection equipment in October, and now with this new fundraising
challenge met, have improved infrastructure, begun clean-up of the backstage, added
fashionable and functional furniture, and installed high-definition television in the bar area keyed to our big theater screen, but much work remains.”
In less than a year, the Ridgway Chautauqua Society has accomplished much in the way of
interior renovations, including a new state-of-the-art film projection system, new stage and
theater lighting and wiring, the removal of antiquated structures, the improvement of the bar
area and a massive amount of paint and drywall improvements. In addition, the Theater has
launched a new website, events calendar, social media and PR efforts.