Panida Century Fund 'inches' from first-year goal

Donations from individuals the past week to the Panida Century Fund totaled $2,870, which was doubled thanks to the match from Ting Internet, for a total $5,740 added to the Century Fund coffers. The fund total total as of Wednesday stood at $236,133.77.

But Panida board member and fundraising chair Foster Cline said there's another substantial number coming in, as the Idaho Heritage Trust has notified the Panida of a $15,000 grant.

“When that comes in, the fund will be over $251,133,” Cline said. “We feel like we're inches away from our first-year goal of $273,100. If individuals donate only $11,000 more, with the Ting match we'll meet that goal.”

This first-year fundraising goal is dedicated to the replacement of the Panida roof, which is aged and has a leak in extreme weather events, threatening damage to some of the historic interior plaster.

But Cline noted there are more needs for the nearly 100-year-old building that future fundraising will address.

“Last week, we had to pack ice on the thermostat to get the furnace to fire up,” he said. “Sometimes the work-around almost makes you laugh. This one won't cost a lot to fix, but it just goes to show that loving this historic old theater comes with a big commitment to its care.”

With only a few days before the new year arrives, Cline noted that the Panida is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible for many – adding “though of course 2023 is a perfectly fine time to make a donation, too!”

The Century Fund has a five-year total goal to raise of $1.9 million to fund long-deferred maintenance and restoration before the Panida's 100th anniversary in November 2027. The campaign has gotten a huge boost from Ting Internet, which has pledged to match individual donations of $5,000 and under, for a total of $200,000 over the five-year campaign.

To donate, or see detailed plans for the campaign itemizing expenses, go online to panida.org.