Images Cinema exceeds first appeal appeal by $4,000

Submitted by Sandra Thomas, Images Cinema, 413-458-1039
Date: February 13, 2006

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Images Cinema's First Annual Appeal campaign was a success, raising over $18,000. The appeal was presented as a challenge to the community to match an initial donation of $7,000 made to the cinema by a group of friends, for a total of $14,000.

Money for the appeal was collected in the cinema, and through the mail. The bulk of the funds raised came from respondents to an appeal letter the cinema mailed out earlier this winter. Peter Mehlin, a volunteer at the cinema stated his reasons for making a donation: "It was largely selfish on my part. I want Images be around in the future, so I can continue to see movies there."

This year's appeal is the first in what will be a yearly endeavor. Images Cinema is a non-profit arts organization and, like other cultural non-profits, requires financial support beyond membership dollars alone. "The response from the community was heartwarming,” says Sandra Thomas, Executive Director of Images Cinema. “Film has been screened in this building for 90 years and while more and more small cinemas around the country are struggling or closing their doors, it is clear that we live in a community that values not only our history, but our future."

"We are delighted,' says Susan Gold, a member of the Images Board of Directors. "Although the goal of this annual campaign was a modest one, the positive response from individuals and supporters in this community has once again proven the commitment they have to this cinema. Without such generous donors, we wouldn't be as successful as we are now and will be in the future. We need and appreciate their support."

One of the few year-round single-screen member-supported cinemas in the country, Images Cinema has been a non-profit organization for seven years. It continues to expand programming to meet the educational and cultural needs of the community, while maintaining its dedication to quality independent film. Images Cinema is supported in part, by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Current happenings are listed at www.imagescinema.org.