ASHEBORO – The campaign to transform the Sunset Theatre into a first-class performing arts center is a giant step closer to its goal following receipt of a $500,000 gift from the Edward M. Armfield, Sr. Foundation.
The gift, payable over four years, is in the form of a challenge grant contingent upon campaign volunteers raising funds to match the grant dollar for dollar.
“We’re ecstatic with the receipt of this challenge gift,” said campaign co-chairman and former Mayor David Jarrell. “It came at just the right time in the effort”.
Bedford Cannon, president of the Foundation and an Asheboro native said, “The board immediately saw the value of the project to Asheboro’s future as well as the educational and cultural development of its young people. We were proud to be able to help”.
“With this grant, we can see now the light at the end of the tunnel for this fundraising effort,” said Bill Hoover, Campaign Co-chairman. “It’s just the impetus we need to get the job done,” added Hoover’s wife and co-chairman, Anne.
The gift is the largest private grant to a city-sponsored project in the city's history. Mayor David Smith, who along with JB Davis led the way in calling on the foundation said, “This is a great day for Asheboro. The Sunset Theatre is one of downtown's anchors, and as goes the Sunset, so goes downtown. It’s that important.”
The Sunset Theatre Capital Campaign -- “Asheboro's Next Act” -- is a community effort to raise $1.2 million to expand, renovate and remodel the theatre.
The city is partnering with the North Carolina Community Foundation’s Randolph County affiliate to receive tax-deductible donations. Questions about the project, can be directed to 336-626-1240 or info@sunsetcampaign.org.