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ASHEBORO —
The campaign to transform the Sunset Theatre into a first-class performing arts center is a step closer to its goal, following the receipt of a $500,000 gift from the Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation.
“This is a great day for Asheboro," said Mayor David Smith. "The Sunset Theatre is one of downtown's anchors, and as goes the Sunset, so goes downtown. It’s that important.”
The gift is the largest private grant to a city-sponsored project in the city's history. Smith and JB Davis led the way in calling on the Foundation.
“We’re ecstatic with the receipt of this challenge gift,” said David Jarrell, campaign co-chair and former mayor. “It came at just right time in the effort.”
The gift, payable over four years, is in the form of a challenge grant contingent upon campaign volunteers raising funds to match the grant dollar for dollar.
“The board immediately saw the value of the project to Asheboro’s future as well as the educational and cultural development of its young people," said Bedford Cannon, president of the Foundation and an Asheboro native. "We are proud to be able to help.”
The Sunset Theatre Capital Campaign – “Asheboro's Next Act” – is a community effort to raise $1.2 million to expand, renovate and remodel the theatre.
“With this grant, we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel for this fundraising effort,” said Bill Hoover, campaign co-chairman. “It’s just the impetus we need to get the job done,” added Ann Hoover, Bill Hoover's wife and campaign co-chair.
The city is partnering with the Community Foundation of Randolph County, an affiliate of the N.C. Community Foundation, to receive tax-deductible donations. Questions about the project can be directed to 336-626-1240 or info@sunsetcampaign.org. For more about the campaign, visit www.sunsetcampaign.org
