Sunset Drive-In Restoration Rescue
Donation protected
Hello everyone,
My name is Antoinette Ellis-Casto. I am currently trying to help my family raise funds to aid in the restoration of our drive-in that was built and has been in operation since 1947. It is one of only three existing in our state of West Virginia.
Our current situation is the condition of the theater screen, the roof on the projection booth needs replaced, the ticket booth is deteriorating, and the fence is falling down.
Approximately three years ago the cinema industry mandated all theaters to transition to digital imaging. Brand new, this cost was $85,000. Many drive-ins immediately closed their doors. We were fortunate enough to find a used one for $35,000, still getting a loan to buy it.
The cost to repair the screen is a little over $15,000. I do not have quotes of the rest of the repairs.
What several people don't know is that the movie industry takes, minimum, half the admitting ticket cost and as much as 90% of some movies! And,beginning this year, they will take 70% per ticket for the Disney movies!
Cinema is part of our lives and part of our culture and we don't want to see the drive-ins, especially ours disappear. I believe the drive-in theater is a novelty and I am thankful we are able to provide our community for the experience.
With support to aid in the "Restoration Rescue", we will be able to keep our doors open a little longer.
We are located near Shinnston, West Virginia.
On behalf of our entire family,
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Antoinette Ellis-Casto
My name is Antoinette Ellis-Casto. I am currently trying to help my family raise funds to aid in the restoration of our drive-in that was built and has been in operation since 1947. It is one of only three existing in our state of West Virginia.
Our current situation is the condition of the theater screen, the roof on the projection booth needs replaced, the ticket booth is deteriorating, and the fence is falling down.
Approximately three years ago the cinema industry mandated all theaters to transition to digital imaging. Brand new, this cost was $85,000. Many drive-ins immediately closed their doors. We were fortunate enough to find a used one for $35,000, still getting a loan to buy it.
The cost to repair the screen is a little over $15,000. I do not have quotes of the rest of the repairs.
What several people don't know is that the movie industry takes, minimum, half the admitting ticket cost and as much as 90% of some movies! And,beginning this year, they will take 70% per ticket for the Disney movies!
Cinema is part of our lives and part of our culture and we don't want to see the drive-ins, especially ours disappear. I believe the drive-in theater is a novelty and I am thankful we are able to provide our community for the experience.
With support to aid in the "Restoration Rescue", we will be able to keep our doors open a little longer.
We are located near Shinnston, West Virginia.
On behalf of our entire family,
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Antoinette Ellis-Casto
Organizer and beneficiary
Antoinette Casto
Organizer
Cook Mine, WV
Sunset Drive-In Theatre
Beneficiary
