Halfway there

Fundraising for the Rockford Theatre rebuild project is approaching the halfway point. Amanda Hegland, Executive Director of the New Rockford Area Betterment Corporation (NRABC), announced Tuesday that the New Rockford Eagles Club has contributed $50,000 to the project, catapulting their fund balance for the new structure to near $250,000.

Other contributing efforts this summer included the Outdoor Movie Night in August and JunkFest concessions on Saturday, Sept. 14. The two events generated about $3,500 for the fund.

Meanwhile, help is coming in another big way. JLG Architects of Fargo, an employee-owned firm loaded with homegrown talent, has offered to complete architectural drawings, plans and specifications for the new theatre on a pro bono basis.

Tracy (Cudworth) Jordre, a Warwick native, is the Principal Architect Workplace Leader at the firm. Riley Longnecker, a 2017 NR-S grad, is a Project Associate. He was NRABC's first contact at the firm. Javan and Marissa (Duchscherer) Arroyo, also both NR-S grads of 2013 and 2014, respectively, work at JLG as well. Javan is a job captain and Marissa is an interior designer.

Hegland said the firm has done some preliminary work and will be meeting with committee members soon to go over the first draft of the new drawings.

"We are excited about having a professional firm behind us," Hegland said.

Efforts to grow the fund to a half million dollars will continue this fall and winter. Volunteers are currently running the cafeteria at volleyball games this fall, with all proceeds going to the project.

Hegland said some pledges have recently come in from donors, and a letter campaign is ready to go out soon. In addition, the NRABC is pursuing a couple of unique grant opportunities to acquire the necessary funds.

The new building will be owned by NRABC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community development organization, as the property has been for more than 20 years. Once the building is complete, the theatre business is expected to again be operated by Glenda Collier with the help of volunteers and part-time student staff. Collier will lease the building, as many business owners do with the property they occupy.

Rockford Theatre tees and hoodies are still available for purchase at Flair Boutique, Central Pharmacy, New Rockford City Hall and Styles by Glenda.

Donations of all sizes are welcome and appreciated. Tax-deductible gifts can be sent to NRABC, 117 1st St S, New Rockford, N.D. 58356.