The Rivoli Theatre in Seward will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 10, to help pay for a new projector in its main theatre after the old one started having issues.
Connie Greger with Rivoli said the projector’s light engine is going out which is causing the right side of the screen to look discolored.
To fix the current projector, which they’ve had since 2010, Greger said it would cost around 75% of the original cost.
“Our model was super out of date anyways, so it would be smarter to just replace it,” Greger said.
The fundraiser will start at 1 p.m. with an open house until 3 p.m. During the day, two free Christmas movies, “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” will be shown at 3 p.m. The Rivoli will also have holiday movie trivia at 2-2:30 p.m., an ugly sweater contest at 2:45 p.m. and a silent auction of mainly movie memorabilia with some items donated from the community. Greger said donations are also welcome until the end of the month. Anyone interested in donating can do so by scanning the QR code on the flyers and mailouts around town, or by calling or stopping at the theatre. All donations will go to the Seward Arts Council and then to the theatre.
The Rivoli has already ordered a new projector with a loan they received from LB840. The fundraiser is to help the theatre pay back the loan.
Taking on a big expense can be difficult for a small theatre, but Greger said she felt it was important because of how long the theatre has been in her family and keeping the theatre in the community.
“This theatre has been in my family for almost 45 years,” Greger said. “It’s been a huge part of the community and it’s just important that we are able to continue to provide entertainment for the community.”
Greger said she is very thankful for the support from the community and the Flatwater Film Festival.
