LEXINGTON, Ky. (3/18/13) – The Friends of the Kentucky Theatre recently announced reaching its first funding milestone of $250,000. “We have raised a quarter of a million dollars toward our $1.5 million dollar goal and tonight you’re helping us move closer to that goal!” announced campaign chairwoman, Isabel Yates, at a Valentine’s Day fundraising event held at the historic theatre.
 
Working in partnership with Blue Grass Community Foundation and several other community partners, Friends of the Kentucky Theatre’s goal is to raise funds to renovate and revitalize the theater with digital projection and sound equipment, energy efficient lighting, new seats, carpet, paint and a restored KENTUCKY marquee.
 
Applebee’s Restaurants, headquartered in Lexington and a downtown neighbor of the Kentucky Theatre, has announced a night to Dine to Donate for the Kentucky Theatre on Tuesday, March 19 from 11:00am to close. All Lexington Applebee’s will donate 10% of the day’s receipts when diners present an event promotional flier to their server. In addition, Mike Scanlon, CEO of Thomas and King, Applebee’s parent company, will personally match the 10%. Scanlon is a strong supporter of the Campaign and encourages other Lexington businesses to become involved. “The Kentucky Theatre is a wonderful part of Lexington’s cultural and fun lifestyle. Applebee’s is very excited to be a part of the Kentucky Theatre’s significant contribution to all of Lexington,” Scanlon said.
 
Fliers with Dine to Donate details, including all Lexington Applebee’s locations, may be downloaded for printing from the Kentucky Theatre website at www.kentuckytheatre.com and clicking on the Friends of the Kentucky Theatre button.
 
Friends of the Kentucky Theatre, a group of civic-minded members of the community, formed to raise one and a half million dollars to pay for urgently needed upgrades for Lexington’s most famous and beloved movie house. A charitable fund has been established with Blue Grass Community Foundation, a 501 (c) (3). Visit www.kentuckytheatre.com for more information.
 
SurfKY News
Information provided by Susan Straub
Photo provided by Paul McRee

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