Village Theater Company was recently awarded a $350,000 state grant to help build a community movie theater in the Sewickley business district.
The grant from the Pennsylvania Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund was awarded on Sept. 17 to the non-profit organization, which has been involved in an aggressive, year-long campaign to raise the funds needed.
The fund uses revenues from Rivers Casino to fund community and economic development projects in Allegheny County.
State Rep. Mark Mustio, R-Allegheny, who represents Sewickley, was a key supporter of the grant.
"As a child, I have great memories seeing movies at the old Sewickley Theater," Mustio said in a news release. "It was the place to meet friends, eat popcorn and see a movie. This project will complement the already vibrant community and growing business district. I was glad to partner with the theater board to help make it happen."
The purpose of the grant is fully aligned with the mission of Village Theater Co. to promote education and public appreciation of the arts by operating a community movie theater.
The theater will provide an unfulfilled educational and cultural component for local and surrounding areas ensuring a lifetime of strong community spirit.
With the recent grant, the total funding for Village Theater Company has reached more than $1.2 million with a show of support from more than 400 community members.
Visit www.villagetheatercompany.com to pledge support.
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