On Friday January 12, 2007 the Vallejo Community Arts Foundation and the Empress Management Group hosted “An Audience with the Empress”, intended to be a preview of both of the renovated interior of the historic Empress Theatre, and the new Baci Ristorante Lounge and Café down the block from the theatre.
Cocktails and dinner at Baci’s were followed by a tour of the Empress for patrons who paid $75 a plate for the pleasure. According to Gail Manning, president of VCAF, “the money we raised will all go toward our capital campaign.” Rich Geist, VP of VCAF said that “180 people attended, and over $50,000 was raised.”
Gail Manning said that “the total cost of the renovation is projected at $5.65 million. The City of Vallejo is providing a loan of $3.8 million, which VCAF will repay over 20 years. Triad is investing approximately $1.2 million. VCAF is raising $650,000 towards capital improvements. We are also raising $1.2 million to cover the first three years of operational costs. So our capital campaign goal is $1.85 million.”
The Empress Theatre is projected to open this fall, when they plan to present “a great mix of performing art and film to the community.” For more information or to get involved you can visit http://www.empresstheatre.org.
Photo-illustrated article here.
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