 McDonald’s Plans Fundraiser For
Bonham Theatre Project June 25
June 2013 - The Fairbury McDonald's Restaurant will be hosting a fundraising event to benefit the Bonham Theatre Project on Tuesday, June 25th. On that day, the Fairbury McDonald's Restaurant will donate 10% of sales to the Bonham Theatre Project’s Capital Campaign to raise funds for the restoration of Fairbury’s historic movie theatre.
The Fairbury McDonald’s Restaurant opens at 6:00 am and 10% of all sales for the entire day (drive thru, dine in and carry out) will be donated. “McDonald’s is proud to be part of the Fairbury community and we look forward to the opportunity to give back to the community,” stated Jim Pike, owner.
Bonham Theatre Project board members and volunteers will be on hand that day during peak hours to visit with patrons and provide updates about the project. “We are still looking to recruit more members, collect information and photos of the Bonham Theatre and we invite everyone to eat at McDonald’s that day and share your memories of the theatre with us,” according to BTP board member, Debby Ebke. “We appreciate McDonald’s commitment to our community and look forward to this event.”
McDonald’s has been a part of the Fairbury community since 1983.
 Bonham Theatre
519 E Street
Fairbury NE, 68352
The Bonham Theater is located 1/2 block north of the Historic Downtown Square in Fairbury on E Street. Built in 1926 by Universal Pictures and a small group of local investors, it was constructed in a time frame from April, 1926 to opening day on Thursday September 28, 1926 where the crowds numbered for the three performances that day to over 3,000 people. The name Bonham is derived from the then cashier of the First National Bank, Luther Bonham, who coordinated the group of local investors to help Universal Pictures build the theater. In its early days it was known as "the showplace of southeast Nebraska."
 Bonham Theatre Project
PO Box 22
Daykin, NE 68338
Email Us: BonhamTheatreProject@gmail.com
 In the summer of 2012 after 86 years of operation, the Bonham Theater closed. Shortly thereafter, a group of citizens called a meeting and began to organize. A facebook group was formed and quickly grew to 1,500 members. After a series of meetings, a non-profit organization was formed. Fund raising is now underway to purchase, rehabilitate and reopen the theatre, preserving this cultural and entertainment venue for generations to come.
Join Bonham Theatre Project Today - Memberships $25
It is the intention of the Board to raise funds annually for administrative expenses by selling annual memberships to the Bonham Theatre Project for $25. Members will have the right to vote on matters presented to the membership at annual and special meetings, including the election of the BTP board of directors. Memberships can be directed to Bonham Theatre Project, PO Box 22, Daykin, NE 68338.
Bonham Theatre Project Capital Campaign - Project 1,000
The Bonham Theatre Project is seeking 100 individuals to donate $1,000 or more and 1000 individuals to donate $100 or more. Your tax-deductible donation can be sent to Bonham Theatre Project, PO Box 22, Daykin, NE 68338.
 Don Burton’s Memories Of The Bonham Theatre (as told to Debby Ebke on Friday May 24, 2013):
Don Burton lived in Fairbury with his single mother and older sister Dorothy between 1936 and 1942. For the first couple of years his mother owned and operated the Carmel Corn shop located in the corner lot north of the Bonham Theatre. Don and Dorothy (labeled by their mother as the “popcorn kids”) sold popcorn from trays strapped to their shoulders. Don remembers walking with his sister to the pavilion in the city park to sell the popcorn. He supposes they also sold to patrons of the Bonham Theatre since the theatre did not have a concession stand in the early years.
Don’s mother was forced by the city to discontinue her Carmel Corn shop, after which she held other jobs. One job was as a waitress in a café across the street from the Pla-Mor Lanes/Café. At times, the Bonham Theatre served as a babysitter for Don. Don was given admission money and allowed to attend the theatre. After the show he was to walk down the alley west to the café.
Don especially liked to attend the triple-western days at the Bonham. For one price (Don recalls 5 cents) you could stay all day and watch three westerns, or even watch the westerns a second time. During the war years, Don remembers the Bonham Theatre held drives for the war effort. Admission was a desired commodity such as sheet metal, iron, or used cooking oil.
One day in the years 1938-1940 when Don was 5-7 years old, Don attended a triple-western day and got locked in the theatre. As was the practice of many youth, Don usually sat in the front rows of the theatre. On this particular day he sat in the second or third row. He fell asleep and later woke to a dark, locked theatre. The ushers had apparently missed seeing him before they left for the night. Don made his way to the lobby only to find no way to open the doors from the inside. He attempted to attract the attention of passersby. Eventually a couple walking by noticed Don in distress in the locked lobby. Communicating through the glass doors, Don requested help and the police were called. The manager arrived to unlock the doors and Don sought out his worried mother.
Don wonders if he was the only child ever locked into the Bonham Theatre.
If you have memories of the Bonham Theatre to share, please contact Debby Ebke at 402.300.7146.
 Bonham Theatre Surveys
Distributed This Week
Large white envelopes will be showing up in the mailboxes of residents of Fairbury and Jefferson County, Nebraska and in Washington County, Kansas. Those envelopes - over 6,400 of them - contain an assessment survey sent out by the Bonham Theatre Project board of directors. The goal of the survey is to gather vital information and ideas to help to shape the future of the Bonham Theatre, located in historic downtown Fairbury.
According to Bonham Theatre Project board member Brooke Schwab, filling out and submitting the finished survey helps provide the necessary community input required to help produce a viable business plan for the Bonham Theatre. The creation of an extensive, all-encompassing business plan one of the key elements required to apply for grants from outside foundations and economic development agencies. "The short survey has a lot of power in a few words and can make a big difference in securing outside funding for the project. It also helps us map a direction to pursue in setting the framework for reopening/renovating the theater in terms of what our citizens want to see," Diane Schutt, president added.
The survey was produced in collaboration with UNK Center for Rural Research and Development, Shawn Kaskie, director. "Once all the surveys have been collected, UNK will tabulate the results and compile the findings for use in the production of a suitable business plan for the BTP," Treasurer Debby Ebke said. The costs to produce and mail the survey were paid for in part through a grant from the Sherwood Foundation.
Completed surveys can be turned in at several locations, including Ray's Apple Market, Starr-Buckow Insurance and all three branches of the First National Bank in Fairbury. In addition, junior and senior high school students will be asked to complete an on-line survey during their lunch periods to better assess what youth would like to see and use at the theaters, Schutt said.
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to help with survey collection efforts. "Assistant Street Superintendant Laura Bedlan put together maps for our canvassing effort. If we can get 70-80 people to participate, collection of the surveys should be really fast on Sunday. We would like to work in pairs to cover routes in the city," Schwab said.
Volunteers will be going door-to-door in the city limits of Fairbury on Sunday, May 5, starting at 1 p.m., to pick up the finished surveys. Completed surveys can also be taped to doors on Sunday for people who wish to provide input, but will not be home for the pick-up.
Those wishing to help with survey collection are asked to meet at the Bonham Theatre this Sunday at 1 p.m. For more information call Brooke Schwab at 402-587-0683 or email bmschwab@gmail.com, or Diane Schutt at diane_schutt@yahoo.com. For more information about the Bonham Theatre Project log on to www.BonhamTheatreProject.org.
 Bonham Theatre Project
Plans May 3rd Fundraiser
The Bonham Theatre Project is planning its next fundraiser entitled, "Memories of the Bonham." The event is planned for Friday, May 3rd from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Fairbury Elks Club at 525 G Street in downtown Fairbury. The event will feature the music of The Kramer Sisters, a musical variety group performing classic country, big band era and polka music, both for listening and dancing. According to BTP president, Diane Schutt, "there will be great entertainment, raffle prizes, door prizes and refreshments." Tickets for the event are $5 in advance or $6 at the door and can be reserved by calling 402.300.7146.
 The concept for the "Memories of the Bonham" theme was inspired by the many stories told to Bonham Theatre Project board members, including a letter sent to BTP treasurer Debby Ebke by Fairbury native Jim Chatelain. In his letter, Chatelain recalled many fond memories of the Bonham Theatre, including working there as an usher in his late ‘teens in the 1940's under the management of Ira Crain. Chatelain donated $5,000 towards the restoration of the Bonham, to which he referred to it as "my old friend." The scanned copy of the letter in Chatelain's own handwriting is posted online and can be read in its entirety by clicking here to view PDF.
"Recognizing that the Bonham Theatre is not just a building but a special place where memories were made is a very important catalyst for wanting to restore, rehabilitate and reopen the movie theatre. Those stories and memories need to be collected and recorded for future generations – it's a very important thread in the fabric of our community's history and provides the basis for the mission of our entire project." according to board member, Julie Katz.
Anyone who has memories to share is invited to attend this event, which coincides also with the First Friday Artwalk in downtown Fairbury, which begins at 5 p.m. Friday the 3rd. Details can be found at www.FairburyFirstFriday.com.
Proceeds will benefit the Bonham Theatre Project, whose mission is to rehabilitate and reopen the historic Bonham Theatre as an arts and entertainment venue in downtown Fairbury.
For the latest information about the Bonham Theatre Project, find them on facebook – Bonham Theatre Project.
Work Begins on Bonham Theatre Marquee
  
 Best Choice Save-A-Label Program Benefits Bonham Theatre
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.
 Runza Restaurant Donates $1,148.75 to Bonham Theatre Project
Runza donated 25 percent of one day's sales in their Fairbury store to assist the fundraising efforts of the Bonham Theatre Project. Presenting the $1,148.75 raised that day to the members of the Bonham Theatre Project are Fairbury Runza Manager Tiah Berkness and Runza's corporate Director of Marketing Becky Perrett.
Photo by Jim Headley.
 Runza Restaurant Plans Fundraiser For Bonham Theatre Project
The Fairbury Runza Restaurant will be hosting a fundraising event to benefit the Bonham Theatre Project on Tuesday, March 12th. On that day, the Fairbury Runza Restaurant will donate 25% of sales to the Bonham Theatre Project's Capital Campaign to raise funds for the restoration of Fairbury's historic movie theatre.
The Fairbury Runza Restaurant opens at 10:30 am and 25% of all sales for the entire day (drive thru, dine in and carry out) will be donated.. "Runza is proud to be part of the Fairbury community and we look forward to supporting this historic restoration project. Movie fans of all ages will benefit from this effort for many years to come," stated Becky Perrett, Director of Marketing for Runza National.
Bonham Theatre Project board members and volunteers will be on hand that day during peak hours to visit with patrons and provide updates about the project. "We are still looking to recruit more members, collect information and photos of the Bonham Theatre and we invite everyone to eat at Runza that day and share your memories of the theatre with us," according to BTP board member, Gene Thomas. "We appreciate Runza's commitment to our community and gratefully accept this generous gift."
Runza Restaurants – famous for the Runza Sandwich with its delicious blend of ground beef, cabbage, onions and secret spices baked inside homemade bread, made-to-order hamburgers, and double dipped onion rings – operates and franchises 80 restaurants in Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa and Kansas.
 Bonham Theatre Project Raises Over $3K At Bowls For Bonham Event
Bonham Theatre Project volunteer Susie Patton of Fairbury helped serve soup and sandwiches to over 150 attendees at the "Bowls For Bonham" soup and sandwich luncheon sponsored by Bonham Theatre Project. Supplemental funding was provided by Thrivent Financial. For more information log on to www.BonhamTheatreProject.org.
Bonham Theatre Project Draws Nationwide Support
Feb. 2013 - Efforts to save the historic Bonham Theatre in downtown Fairbury continue to draw the attention of movie-goers, historians and charity organizations across the nation. Bonham Theatre Project treasurer Debby Ebke reports that donations have come from as far away as Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, Washington, Texas and Illinois. Men and women, young and old have sent donations for the revitalization of the Bonham Theatre," according to Ebke.
According to BTP records, several donations are from former employees of the Bonham. " Interestingly, some of their names are inscribed on the walls in the Bonham basement," according to Diane Schutt, BTP board president.
The following excerpts are from letters and messages received by the Bonham Theatre Project:
Dear Mrs. Ebke:
Enclosed is my donation toward the support of the Bonham Theatre Project.
I grew up in Fairbury, not without being an avid Bonham attendee, being "held" by dramas, melodramas, mysteries, westerns, comedies, musicals, horrors, swashbucklers, serials, newsreels, and previews of coming attractions! In addition, I recall with fondness my days as an usher at the Bonham during my late teens, the late 1940‘s, under Ira Crain, manager.
It is therefore with pleasure that I extend this donation to "my old friend," the Bonham Theatre, with every good wish for its successful restoration.
Devotedly-
Jim Chatelain
A more recent employee and donor sent this message:
Deb,
"As a former Bonham employee, I just want to say thank you for all the work you, Schutt, and all the others have done."
-Blake Simpson
Many donations have come with sentimental notes:
"During 1950 through 1952 my to-be husband and I had many dates at the Bonham Theatre. In memory of him and our good times together at the Theatre, I would like to donate to its restoration."
-Neola Butt
Other donations have come with no connection to Fairbury or the Bonham Theatre, specifically:
Dear Board and Members,
The enclosed donation comes from The Giving Group, a small group of women that meet once a month and contribute to a "pot", the person hosting for the month chooses where the donation will go. As a former small town girl from South Dakota, the Bonham Theatre Project written up in the Journal Star caught my interest. Brooke's comment, "…not let another building rot" sadly is so true of many once wonderful small towns. (Like mine.)
I've chosen your project to donate to because I admire the initiative you're taking.
Best Wishes,
:) Anonymous
To become a member of the Bonham Theatre Project or to donate towards the restoration of the theatre, log on to www.BonhamTheatreProject.org.
 Thrivent Financial Pledges Funds To Bonham Theatre Project
Feb. 2013 - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide supplemental funding to support the Bonham Theatre Project, according to BTP board member Jan Knobel. The Bonham Theatre Project is planning its next fundraiser entitled, "Bowls For Bonham," a soup and sandwich luncheon scheduled for Sunday, February 24th at the Burkley Family Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Bonham Theatre Project, whose mission is to rehabilitate and reopen the historic Bonham Theatre as an arts and entertainment venue in downtown Fairbury.
According to Knobel, "Several members of the board of directors for the Bonham Theatre Project are Thrivent members and projects like this help to build strong communities." Matching funds up to $500 have been pledged by the financial organization which according to their website, helped to raise more than $175 million in 2011 to support communities, congregations and individuals in need (www.Thrivent.com)
Soup bowls created specifically for the event by nationally-known artist Lucky Stradley are available for purchase in advance for $15 at Stagecoach Mall Antiques (open weekends) or by calling Julie Katz at 402.613.2063. Bowls will also be available for purchase on the day of the event.
A variety of soups and sandwiches will be available and the Brownie and Daisy Girl Scout Troops under the leadership of Lena Stewart, Hillary Christ and Karinda Lee will be on hand to help. The theatre building will also be open that day for tours.
 Bonham Theatre Project Wins
"Jackpot" at Annual Chamber Banquet
Feb. 2013 - The Bonham Theatre Project came away a winner at the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce annual banquet held on February 1st. During the live charity auction, a "money globe" donated by First National Bank was purchased by Riverside Chevrolet. The globe contained $248 to which another $200 was added as a "bonus spin" courtesy of Tiffany Pfaff. In all, $448 was presented to the Bonham Theatre Project. Pictured are Brooke Schwab and Deborah Ebke, BTP board members along with Alan Stall and Dick Newton, owners of Riverside Chevrolet of Fairbury. Photo courtesy of Holly Troxel Photography.
Bonham Theatre Project
Announces Capital Campaign
Jan. 2013 - The Bonham Theatre Project board members announced this week that the project is now entering "Phase II" which will focus on the renovation of the historic Bonham Theatre Building (c. 1926) located in downtown Fairbury.
The Bonham Theatre Project has now completed two major objectives since forming a non-profit group in October of 2012 to save the historic theatre, once referred to as "the showplace of southeast Nebraska." In January, BTP board members submitted the winning bid securing the building and contents at a foreclosure auction. Just last week it was revealed that the Bonham Theatre Project would be receiving $150K worth of . . . Read Full Story Here
Bonham Theatre Project
Receives Pledge Valued at $150K
Jan. 2013 - The Bonham Theatre Project has received a pledge from Save America's Cinemas for digital equipment, valued at approximately $150,000. Save America's Cinemas (SAC) is a non-profit organization founded by a collection of actors, movie directors, producers and screenwriters whose mission is to save the 3,000+ small market movie houses forced to close because of the expenditures entailed in converting to a digital format. Read Full Story Here
 Local Group Buys Bonham Theater
Jan. 2013 - Now, the dream can begin.
Friday morning Deb Ebke entered the one and only bid to purchase the Bonham Theater at public auction as she represented the Bonham Theater Project.
No one but Ebke, the Project's treasurer, even registered to bid at the foreclosure auction to purchase the Bonham, so it sold to the community revitalization group for the minimum amount of $24,550.
Read Full Story Here
 Bonham Theatre Project Seeks Gifts of Grain
Farmers and livestock producers can save significant taxes by donating commodities such as grain and livestock to the Bonham Theatre Project. The Bonham Theatre Project is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organized with the intent of acquiring, rehabilitating and reopening the historic Bonham Theatre in downtown Fairbury. The movie theatre, built in 1926, closed in the summer of 2012. The Bonham Theatre Project board of directors has begun a capital campaign in anticipation of purchasing the Bonham. The funds will be used to acquire the building, hire an architect, remediate fire safety concerns, and update the projection systems to digital.
At a time when producers are experiencing the highest commodity prices seen in years, now may be a good time to think about a charitable gift of commodities, whether its cattle, corn or other grain. "It provides another option and some tax incentives that are not available by simply giving cash," according to Debby Ebke, Treasurer of the Bonham Theatre Project.
Producers who wish to donate portions of their crops or livestock directly to the Bonham Theatre Project not only benefit their community, but are able to benefit from tax savings that may be greater than if they had sold the commodity and then donated a portion of the proceeds.
When an agricultural producer transfers legal ownership of the commodity to a charity before it is sold, the producer will not have taxable income from a sale, thus minimizing taxes. Tax savings may be realized on federal income tax, state income tax and self-employment tax, depending on the producer's specific circumstances.
Farmers or ranchers wanting their gift to benefit their community should consider giving to The Bonham Theatre Project. According to foundation member Julie Katz, "Gifts of commodities will put this project on the fast track to restoring a very important cultural and entertainment venue for generations to come."
Producers should check with their accountants to determine whether a contribution of commodities is appropriate to their tax situation. They should notify The Bonham Theatre Project in advance of making a gift of commodities, as there are specific procedures that need to be followed to obtain the desired tax treatment of a gift of livestock or grain to a charitable fund.
For more information about saving taxes by donating commodities, contact Debby Ebke at 402.300.7146 or by email at DebbyEbke@gmail.com.
 Farmers Can Receive Tax Benefits From Charitable
Contributions of Commodities
Cash basis farmers can take the standard deduction and still receive a tax benefit from charitable contributions. To get these benefits, farmers must make charitable contributions in unsold commodities rather than cash. This technique might also cut social security taxes if the contribution in commodities reduces income below the social security earnings base.
To make this strategy work, the taxpayer must:
- Be a cash-basis taxpayer. The accrual-basis taxpayer has a tax cost in the commodities that negates much of the advantage.
- Contribute the commodity, not the sales proceeds.
Contribute the unsold commodity to the charity. Deliver the grain or livestock to the elevator, and have the title or warehouse receipt made out in the name of the charity. The receipt or commodity title is given to the charity, with a letter stating the commodity is the charity's to handle as they wish. Taxpayer contributing on-farm stored commodities should send the charity a notarized letter citing the number of bushels and the location of the donated grain. Of course, the taxpayer should retain copies of the letters and receipts to document the contribution.
The taxpayer should not haul grain to the local elevator and have the buyer issue a check to the charity. Even though the check is not issued to the taxpayer, the IRS will treat this as though the taxpayer had sold the grain and contributed cash.
- Be an active farmer. This technique works for active producers who have raised the commodity as inventory. It does not apply to retired farmers who may have received grain on a crop-share lease. That grain has a rental status which is distinguished from business income and prevents transfer under the charitable rules.
- The taxpayer should review the transaction with his or her CPA or tax advisor in advance.
Steps to Make a Charitable Gift of Commodities
- Contact The Bonham Theatre Project to advise us that the gift is about to be made.
- Complete the Letter from the Producer form notifying us that you are making a gift of commodities. Indicate quantity and type of commodity being contributed and the fund (and related pupose) to which your contribution is directed.
- When you deliver the commodity to the local elevator, feedlot or other facility please inform them to issue a receipt in the name of The Bonham Theatre Project. The receipt is evidence that ownership of the commodity was transferred from the producer to The Bonham Theatre Project. Then send the receipt to The Bonham Theatre Project at the address below.
- Instruct the facility that it must send the contract to sell the commodity to The Bonham Theatre Project for signature. The contract can be mailed to The Bonham Theatre Project at P.O. Box 22, Daykin, NE 68338.
If the facility does not use written contracts for commodity sales, ask The Bonham Theatre Project to provide you with a complete
Instruction Form. Since The Bonham
Theatre Project now owns the commodity following your gift, you may not instruct the facility to sell it. |
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