Help keep Panida open for next generation

It must have been magical growing up in Sandpoint in years past! Summers on Lake Pend Oreille, skiing Schweitzer — I’ll bet a lot of you even enjoyed a movie or two at the old Panida Theater.

But times have changed and so has the Panida. Our beautiful theater is now 85 years old. In 1985, a group of community citizens formed a non-profit organization to save her. We’ve made a lot of progress over the years — we’ve restored a number of theater seats, bought new curtains for the stage, remodeled the dressing rooms, installed a new roof, refurbished the outside of the theater and marquee, acquired, remodeled and paid for the Little Theater — but we are now at a critical crossroad in refurbishing the theater. During the next 18 months, the Panida’s board of directors has been tasked to raise funds for a significant renovation project called “Panida Forever” to restore the theater.

Some of the much-needed improvements include installing a sprinkler system, repairing the ceiling in the auditorium, remodeling the concession area and offices, and replacing the windows on the theater to make it more energy efficient.

The Panida is a working theater. We also need to purchase modern, industry standard, digital equipment to keep up with changing technology. This will enable us to continue to show first-rate films at our theater.

These renovations and additions will greatly improve the quality and diversity of the programs and events the Panida will be able to offer our patrons and the community.

In addition to our current annual membership drive and fundraising efforts for vitally needed digital projection equipment, our “Panida Forever” campaign is now in full swing. Please consider helping us preserve our lovely lady, the Panida, for enjoyment by your children, grandchildren and future generations. A tax-deductible donation to the Panida can be sent to Panida Theater, P. O. Box 1981, Sandpoint, ID 83864. Your continued attendance, participation and support will help keep YOUR Panida open forever!

MAUREEN TILLBERG

Sandpoint

Business and development manager

The Panida Theater