Bonham Theatre Project Hires Construction Supervisor/Project Manager

The Bonham

Bonham Theatre Project has taken another step forward in reopening the downtown theater with the hiring of a construction supervisor/ project manager.  Fairbury native and alum Randy Fisbeck assumed this position last week.

Fisbeck will coordinate all work with the building’s architect and consultants, managing all volunteers and contractors on site during the Phase 1 work. This phase will include the renovation of the lobby, restrooms area and the main floor theatre. Fisbeck brings a total of 13 years of project management and general contracting building custom homes that range from 1,200 square-foot to 7,200 square-foot and light commercial projects, including a day care, office buildings, high-rise condos, and apartments.

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work on a project like the Bonham Theatre, especially in my hometown of Fairbury and I look forward to working with the great people who have put so much time and effort into the project already. The theatre truly is a staple of the community that I grew up in and I personally can’t wait for it to be operational again,” Fisbeck said.

Board President Brooke Schwab said the BTP Board is very excited about this appointment.

“We are looking forward to having an expert in construction as part of our team. We hope that not only will this help move the project forward but also help us get more bang for our buck. Randy has already started looking for way to help us save,” Schwab said.

BTP members continue to look for additional fundraising opportunities. The group will help with the 3rd Annual Blues Festival Jan. 23 at Stagecoach Mall with a portion of the proceeds going to BTP. Tickets can be purchased for $35 from any board member or a link to ticket sales can also be found on fairbury.com. A number of talented blues bands and musicians will perform at the event. The ticket price includes a BBQ meal cooked by Totally Smoked BBQ and all entertainment costs.

BTP will hold its annual membership meeting on Sunday, Jan. 24 at the American Lutheran Church at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend and current members are encouraged to come hear the annual review. Election of board members will also be conducted at the meeting.

Letter from Supporter Jim Chatelain

The Bonham

BTP Supporter Jim Chatelain sent a wonderful note with his latest donation.Jim-Chatelain

“12/6/14

Dear Mrs. Ebke,

Enclosed is my current donation toward the support of the Bonham Theatre Project.

Looking back, I recall with pleasure the countless hours of “enjoyable escape” spent at the Bonham.

In my youth, Saturday was THE day. Starting at 2 p.m. – the local ads, newsreel, previews of coming attractions, serial chapter, mystery feature, western action – the day was “made”, all for the admission of LESS than 15 cents!

May I extend to you, then, my heartfelt best wishes toward the successful restoration of ‘my old friend, the Bonham Theatre.’

Very Sincerely,
Jim Chatelain”Jim Chatelain Letter

First National Bank Donates $10,000 to Bonham Theatre Project

The Bonham

First National Bank Donates to BonhamNeighbors helping neighbors definitely describes the continued generosity of The First National Bank-Fairbury and the Pfaff family with their recent $10,000 contribution to the Bonham Theatre Project. As supporters of the Bonham Theatre Project from its inception, this $10,000 donation completes the $50,000 matching grant from The Sherwood Foundation, which was offered to BTP in April 2014.

Their initial $1,000 contribution aided BTP in formally organizing as a nonprofit corporation. Additional contributions totally $15,000 assisted in the acquisition of the building and contents. “The real effort is not in providing the financial support, but in the people who come together in turning a vision into reality,” said Tiffany Pfaff.

The Pfaff/Burkley connection to the Bonham Theatre goes back to its establishment. Barbara (Burkley) Pfaff is the great-niece to Luther Bonham, the namesake of the Bonham Theatre and in 1913 co-owner of the newly consolidated First National Bank of Fairbury. In 1926 Luther Bonham, as President of FNB, put together financing to construct the Bonham Theatre in conjunction with local investors and Universal Production Company.

Revitalizing Fairbury with a theatre is both a business and personal interest to the Pfaffs. “The continued existence of Fairbury and its residents has been the main priority to us through every generation of our family,” said Vernon Pfaff. “This is something that we also strive in helping our surrounding communities as well.”
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support of Vern and Barb, (daughter) Tiffany, The Burkley Family Fund, and The First National Bank,” said Brooke Schwab, president. “In a small town, we have to depend on each other because our futures are interconnected. It is reassuring to know the Pfaffs share this vision.”

Best Choice Save-A-Label Program Benefits Bonham Theatre

The Bonham

Ray’s Apple Market in Fairbury and Best Choice products now make it easier than ever to donate to the Bonham Theatre Project. Fundraising for The Bonham Theatre Project is easy, thanks to the Best Choice label program. Already, more than 11,000 groups are cashing in, using the Save-A-Label program.

The Save-A-Label program is an extremely successful program, which helps non-profit organizations raise money. Currently, there are over 11,000 non-profit groups that participate in the program. These groups earn $.03 for each Best Choice UPC symbol redeemed, with a minimum of 1,000 labels required for redemption. This program represents more than 1.2 million cases of Best Choice products purchased by consumers in one year. “We have thousands of Best Choice products at our store, and they’re all national-brand quality, but at 10% to 20% under the national price. We believe Best Choice is a best-bet for your fund raising needs,” according to Ron Winslow, manager.

Start collecting Best Choice product labels, (be sure to keep the UPCs or “proofs of purchase”) and turn them in at the customer service counter. “The program is all set up and ready to go – just drop off your labels and we take care of the rest,” according to Michelle Hoffman, Ray’s Apple Market employee and Bonham Theatre Project volunteer.

The Bonham Theatre Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to reopen the historic Bonham Theatre in downtown Fairbury.