PHILIP, SD – A small-town movie theater will continue to roll ‘em after reaching its fundraising goal for buying a new projector. The family-owned, volunteer-staffed Gem Theater in Philip was at risk of closing after a March snowstorm and multiple power outages caused a power surge that destroyed the projector lamp. Manager Amy Moses says fundraising to cover the $43,000 project started with applying for three grants and a pulled pork supper.
“I think that helped a lot. I had different people call me from Rapid City that used to live in Philip and didn’t know the theater was still here. We had some individuals from out of state that felt every small town should have a theater so they donated. I even found out there was another supplier of theater equipment so I was able to get two bids and we got a better deal on it. So that was a big help.”
The fundraising started with a GoFundMe page in early June. Over $43,000 was raised in a little over a month. The GoFundMe page got the attention of the media and Moses believes those stories helped spread the pleas for assistance.
“Our projector is ordered. I think it will arrive in about a month. As soon as it gets here and is assembled, we’ll be open for movies.”
Moses says they hope to be showing movies again by August.
“It makes us proud that we can serve this community. They enjoy having us here. Thanks to everybody for not only monetary support but words of encouragement. Without their support we wouldn’t be here today.”
She added, “People donated what they could afford, from $5 to $1,000. Nobody wants to see the theater go.”
The Gem Theater will use some of the donated money to replace a limited number of older seats in the 200-seat theater.
