Dear Patrons, Friends and Lovers of the Paramount;
Due to cutbacks and the loss of traditional funding sources for non-profit institutions like the(PCA), we are in a position that requires a candid, direct and honest plea to those who over the years have enjoyed what has been presented at the historic Paramount Theatre in Peekskill.
For more than three decades, the PCA has provided our audiences and visitors with a diverse selection of live performances, high quality films and visual art exhibits that have been entertaining and enlightening. This has been possible because of the support of our patrons and the generosity of our members, government, certain arts organizations, businesses and corporate entities.
The Paramount's revenue comes in two ways...box office sales and contributions of various types. Regardless of how successful box office sales are it is the latter that makes the difference in whether or not the Paramount is successful. The fact is the PCA has experienced a severe drop in contributed income over the past two years which has necessitated an immediate $300,000 fund drive aimed at those who have the closest connection to what goes on at the Paramount theatre...our primary audience, friends and lovers of the Paramount.
With new leadership in place at the theatre for the better part of 9 months, our programming and film presentations have become more successful than they have been in many years. Our theatre operations have never been better and our dedicated staff and hard working enthusiastic volunteers carry out their varied responsibilities in a highly professional manner on a daily basis.
The Paramount budget has been cut to every extent possible zeroing in only on those expenses that are directly necessary for the organization to carry out its core mission. In short, more contributed revenue is needed now if we are to continue to provide you with the Paramount experiences you love.
Please take a moment to provide the Paramount with a contribution to assist us in this vitally important fund drive. While buying tickets to one or more of our upcoming shows would be great, contributions to support the institution of the Paramount Center for the Arts is of "paramount" importance. Please stop by the theatre, or mail your contribution to the Paramount Center for the Arts, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill, NY 10566. The quickest, easiest and best way to contribute is to visit our website at www.paramountcenter.org where at the very top of our home page you will find a quick and easy link to make a secure online contribution.
Thank you for your consideration in helping us at this critical time and for your past support.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Paramount Center for the Arts
Which part of "not for profit" were you not clear about? Time to call the Landmark Cinema group. A FOR PROFIT group, and let the Peekskill taxpayer off the hook. Time to compete with the Jacob Burns for the art movie crowd, without the nightmare of parking offered by the JB, as well as queuing up in their lobby, etc., and surely the Peekskill restauranteurs will join you in seeking a new audience. How about a new vision for the Paramount? Landmark has the same planning--cinema and live events, although it means some of you will have to give up your volunteer "power". As for the rest of Peekskill, they don't care.