Theatre fundraising efforts ongoing

More than 18 months have passed since the roof of the historic Rockford Theatre collapsed, and efforts continue to rebuild and reopen this landmark New Rockford business.

Plans to rebuild Rockford Theatre were unveiled last November, much to the delight of locals.

The new theatre aims to offer a more modern and improved movie-going experience, while still retaining its history and honoring its past.

The new projector room, for example, will have the latest technology for cinema screening, and the theatre's original marquee which survived the collapse will be updated and re-installed.

However, the cost won't be cheap – the new structure alone has an approximate price tag of $500,000.

Over the past few months, the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC) and the Rockford Theatre Rebuild Committee have been hard at work raising money for the new theatre with various fundraisers such as a meal, raffle and t-shirt sales.

More funds are needed, however, before the hole in downtown New Rockford can be filled with a beautiful new theatre.

Amanda Hegland, the NRABC's director, said they currently have approximately $200,000 available for building construction, which includes the insurance money they received.

Hegland further explained that the $500,000 only covers the structure, which will go into the same place as the original theatre. Even more is necessary to purchase the projector room equipment, seating, etc.

However, Hegland said she's come across numerous grants that could cover much of equipment and furnishings. What she's not finding, however, are grants for construction of the building itself.

In other words, it's up to the community of New Rockford and other area supporters to bring back their theatre.

The project has essentially been split into two phases.

Once a building can be erected, Phase 1 of the project will be complete and the NRABC can begin on Phase 2, which is turning that building into a state-of-the-art theatre.

"Our goal is that within the year we can get enough money to get started on the building," said Hegland.

There are numerous ways for those interested to contribute.

T-shirts and hoodies are still available to order online at rockfordtheatre.itemorder.com. In addition, they will be available for sale at local businesses such as Flair Boutique, Central Pharmacy, Styles by Glenda and City Hall.

The NRABC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, which means that direct donations made to them are tax deductible. Anyone interested in contributing that way can send a check to 117 1st St. S, New Rockford, N.D. 58356 or contribute via Venmo to Rockford-Theatre-8.

More fundraisers are planned in the coming months, so there will be plenty of opportunities to help make the new Rockford Theatre a reality.

Once it's built, the names of all those who contributed will be listed on a feature wall in the new theatre. Donations can be made in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special person or in the name of any person, business or organization of the donor's choice.

"We just don't want a hole in our downtown," Hegland concluded.