Westin Packaged Meats Donates $5K To Bonham Theatre Project

Westin Packaged Meats of Fairbury announced this week that it will donate $5,000 to the Bonham Theatre Project (BTP) as part of their ongoing commitment to the project. Westin Packaged Meats is a subsidiary of Westin Foods, an industry leader in the production of bacon bits, with two plants located in Fairbury.  According to Ron Schacht, Fairbury Operations General Manager, “We want to see the Bonham Theatre Project successfully complete the renovations of the theatre so that the citizens of Fairbury will once again be able to enjoy movies here.”

Westin Packaged Meats Donates $5K To Bonham Theatre ProjectSince April, the Bonham Theatre Project has been active in securing matching grant monies from various sources including The Sherwood Foundation ($50,000). According to BTP treasurer Debby Ebke, “We have contributions and fundraising dollars since The Sherwood Foundation match began on April 17th totaling $21,173. Therefore, we still need $28,827 to earn those matching funds.”  She added,  “Donations of $1,000 or more have a triple benefit beyond helping the Bonham Theatre Project.  They are tax deductible, they are matched by The Sherwood Foundation, and they earn the donor a 40% Nebraska income tax credit.”

According to BTP president Brooke Schwab, now is a great time to donate to the Bonham Theatre Project. “A set of plans has been finalized that will return the theatre to its former glory and donating to this project will not only benefit the donor financially, but contribute positively to the quality of life in our community, long into the future.”

The mission of the Bonham Theatre Project is to rehabilitate and reopen the historic Bonham Theatre as an arts and entertainment venue in downtown Fairbury. For more information log on to www.BonhamTheatreProject.org or on  Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BonhamTheatreProject.

Bonham Theatre Project Announces Donor Tax Credit

For the Bonham Theatre Project, good news arrived recently with two significant monetary plans, which will help generate fundraising momentum to renovate the historic Bonham Theatre in downtown Fairbury.

Bonham Theatre Project has received approval from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development  (DED) for qualification of the renovation of the Bonham Theatre under the Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA).  CDAA empowers DED to distribute a 40 percent (40%) state income tax credit to businesses or individuals who make eligible contributions to approved community betterment projects.

Bonham Theatre Project gathered pledges during the month of April to demonstrate community commitment to DED.  Fulfilled pledges will generate the tax credit, as will new contributions.

WHO CAN RECEIVE TAX CREDITS FROM BONHAM THEATRE PROJECT?
Any person or business that donates $1,000 or more is eligible for the credit.  For 2014 only cash and commodity donations will qualify.

WHAT IS THE LIMIT?
The minimum donation is $1,000 and the maximum is $62,500.  The credits will be allocated by Bonham Theatre Project on a first-come, first-served basis until the $25,000 income tax credit limit is reached.  Bonham Theatre Project can apply to DED for additional credits if significant interest warrants.

Examples:
$1,000 donation X 40% = $400 state income tax credit
$5,000 donation X 40% = $2,000 state income tax credit
$10,000 donation X 40% = $4,000 state income tax credit

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY TAX CREDITS?
After making an eligible contribution to Bonham Theatre Project the business or individual must complete and submit Form CDAA1 to DED, along with proof of the contribution.  DED will then send the contributor copies of the completed Form 1099NTC to be attached to the contributor’s state income tax return.  Bonham Theatre Project will assist in providing the needs forms to file.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO CLAIM A CREDIT?
The credit must be claimed on the income tax return for the year in which the contribution is made.  Any tax credit balance may be carried over and applied against the tax liability for the next five years immediately succeeding the tax year in which the credit was first properly claimed and allowed.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Debby Ebke, Treasurer at 402-446-7436, 402-300-7146 (cell), or debbyebke@gmail.com

Additionally, Bonham Theatre Project has also been awarded a $50,000 challenge grant by The Sherwood Foundation to address fire, life safety, and ADA requirements.  The Sherwood Foundation will match the next $50,000 raised by Bonham Theatre Project with a contribution of $50,000.

“These two developments are exciting news for Bonham Theatre Project,” said treasurer Debby Ebke.  “Each $1,000 contributed to Bonham Theatre Project will qualify the donor for state income tax credit in addition to generating a matching contribution. For example: a $1,000 donation will not only yield the donor a state tax credit of $400, but it will be matched for a combined $2,000 benefit to Bonham Theatre Project – a win-win scenario for all.  Bonham Theatre Project is very grateful for the support of DED and The Sherwood Foundation”

– See more at: http://www.fairbury.com/pages/entertainment/bonham.html#sthash.0fmohW7G.dpuf

Boham Theatre Project Receives Matching Contributions

Bonham Theatre Project is the recent beneficiary of a combined $5,000 donation from Brian and Sabina Coordsen and Phillips 66.  The Coordsens contributed $2,500, which was matched by Brian’s employer, Phillips 66.

“My wife and I grew up in and around Fairbury and we went to many movies at the Bonham,” said Brian.  “We’ve also taken our kids to movies at the Bonham when back in Fairbury visiting family so they could enjoy it too.  We gave because the project is a great cause.”

According to Community Investments spokesperson Rhea King, Phillips 66 recognizes that its employees are the company’s best liaisons with communities.  “Offering a lucrative matching gift program that allows employees and retirees to double the impact of their donations encourages support and involvement in nonprofit organizations,” said King.

“BTP is very appreciative of employee/employer matching programs,” said Debby Ebke, BTP treasurer.  “I am happy to work with any company to qualify for matching contributions.”

Previously, BTP received $1,000 each from Tyler & Michelle Stewart and The Toro Foundation.  The Toro Company, Exmark Manufacturing in Beatrice, employs Michelle.

About Phillips 66:  Built on more than 130 years of experience, Phillips 66 is a growing energy manufacturing and logistics company with high-performing Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses.  This integrated portfolio enables Phillips 66 to capture opportunities in the changing energy landscape.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has 13,500 employees who are committed to operating excellence and safety.  Phillips 66 had $50 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2013.  For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow them on Twitter @Phillips66Co.

Bowls For Bonham Raises $1,500

bowls-for-bonham-2nd-annualFebruary 2014 – The 2nd annual Bowls For Bonham Soup Luncheon was held this past Sunday in the Tasting Room in downtown Fairbury. More than 125 people attended the event and over $1,500 was raised, according to treasurer, Debby Ebke.

A fundraiser for the Bonham Theatre Project, the Bowls For Bonham event featured specially-designed bowls made by nationally-known artist, Lucky Stradley, which could be purchased for $15. Soup, sandwiches and desserts were served while attendees enjoyed live music provided by Fairbury musician David Hunt.

Bowls are still available at Stagecoach Mall Antiques and Tasting Room, open weekends. “Heart-shaped bowls, new to this year’s event, sold out quickly but more will be available for purchase in approximately three weeks,” according to board member Julie Katz.

The Bonham Theatre Project’s mission is to renovate and reopen the historic theatre as a movie and entertainment venue. Watch for updates online at www.BonhamTheatreProject.org or on facebook at www.Facebook.com/BonhamTheatreProject.