Hoblitzelle Foundation: Believing in " Historic " Downtown Brownwood
Lyric Theatre gets grant
Brownwood restoration project to receive $50,000
By Celinda Emison / Reporter-News Staff Writer
December 2, 2005
BROWNWOOD - The Raise the Curtain Capital Campaign Project to fund restoration of the Brownwood Lyric Theatre got a big boost from a Dallas-based foundation.
The Lyric Performing Arts Company announced the receipt of a $50,000 challenge grant from the Hoblitzelle Foundation.
Dub Wilson, chairman of LPAC, said the grant will be received as soon as another $50,000 in matching funds are raised to restore the theater.
''This is a very exciting achievement for the Raise the Curtain Capital Campaign project,'' Wilson said. ''We encourage all those in the community who are planning to join with us in this effort to take this opportunity to double the value of their contributions by making them now as a part of the Hoblitzelle match.''
To celebrate the grant approval, LPAC will host a reception at 7 p.m. Monday at the theater with a special screening of the 1954 movie ''White Christmas,'' starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
Proceeds from the movie event will support restoration of the Lyric Theatre and will support the match of the Hoblitzelle grant.
If Monday's weather is cool, guests should wear warm clothing because the Lyric building is not currently heated.
Eric Evans, managing director of LPAC, says the goal is to raise the $50,000 in matching funds by the end of December.
''That will show that we are receiving support from the community at a healthy pace,'' Evans said. ''And it will help us to get other grants in the future.''
The total cost to restore the Lyric Theatre is estimated to be $1.5 million. Work to be done includes asbestos removal and architectural design and development.
The total project includes the addition of a new stage and lighting, 300 seats, a new screen and projection system, restoration of historic decor, a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system and new restrooms. The project also includes total renovation of the lobby, which was formerly a downtown dress shop.
The Lyric Performing Arts Company is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation organized to restore the Lyric Theatre building, built in 1914 in downtown Brownwood.
The Hoblitzelle Foundation was established by Karl and Esther Hoblitzelle in 1942. Both were active in the social, civic and cultural activities in Dallas.
Contact Brownwood staff writer Celinda Emison at (325) 641-8804 or emisonc@reporternews.com.
If you go ...
What: Lyric Theatre reception and presentation of ''White Christmas''
Where: Lyric Theatre, 318 Center Ave. Brownwood
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Tickets: $10 at the door, includes drinks and snacks
To donate to the Raise the Curtain Capital Campaign: Go online at www.brownwoodlyrictheatre.com or call Debbie Morelock at (325) 646-6128.
source: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_local/article/0,1874,ABIL_7959_4283102,00.html
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