Debbie Ford, the executive director of Decatur’s nearly century old historic Lincoln Square Theatre posted a plea to the public on the theatre’s Facebook page, to help save the structure. Many much needed repairs have been completed in recent years but there’s still much work to do, especially when Mother Nature seems to have it in for the theatre’s roof. Here is her comment:
“Hey everybody! If you are a TRUE Fan of The Lincoln Square Theatre please help us. As you know I am the Executive Director of LST and I am pleading to all of you. Lightening has stuck the theatre TWICE since April. The 1st time it took out our Light System, the 2nd time it took out our rented Light System! Now our insurance co. has denied our claim!!!! We have had to rent equipment in order to honor the contracts we have with the rentals coming in. The Lincoln is in red due to unforseen repairs over the past 3 years. Our boiler has broke down 3 times, and the new AC unit on the roof was struck by lightening 2 years ago also. The electrical system on stage is shot, the flat roof over the mezzanine is leaking all the time now. Every rain we have had this year causes more damage to the building. It is a true shame to see these things happening. And the POWER BILLS are killing us. They range from $1,700 – over $4,000 a month. We can’t seem to get a break on anything. We owe for repairs to alot of local businesses who have been gracious enough to bill us. The Lincoln needs help with keeping the doors open. The staff has been working for over 10 months without being paid either. if it weren’t for the wonderful volunteer staff we couldn’t host the events that come in. They clean, they work concession, they promote, they all work countless hours with only a hug and a big thank you! What I am pleading for now is this: If every fan of the Lincoln could send us $10 a month to us so that we can pay our monthly bills, those donations would keep us afloat and help us to get out of the RED and keep our doors open! Ticket sales are NOT doing it! We have tried keeping the tickets prices down because of the economy but the support isn’t coming from the community. This historic theatre is too grand to go BLACK! It would cost the city a million dollars to tear it down. Downtown Decatur is thriving now. Everytime we have events in the theatre everyone benefits. The shops stay open and the restaurants are busy.”
The Facebook page for the theatre can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lincoln-Square-Theatre-Decatur-IL/125853760765576
