NEW: Fundraiser to “Save the Strand” in Providence Looks to Raise $200K
Monday, June 01, 2020
Garry Williams and Frank Manfredi Jr. with the Strand Ballroom and Theatre in Providence are looking to raise $200,000 to keep the music and event venue afloat during the coronavirus crisis.
Williams posted the following on Monday:
"We never thought it come would to this. But desperate times call for desperate measure. And the COVID-19 shutdown is the most desperate time of them all.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThree years ago, we poured blood, sweat, tears, and a million dollars of our own money to opening The Strand and revitalizing the spirit of entertainment in the city. From its beginnings as a vaudeville theater in 1915, The Strand has always been at the epicenter of Providence’s love for art and culture. But today, The Strand faces permanent shutdown.
We applaud Rhode Island’s attempts to support small business with federal assistance during this time. But, we have sadly realized their allowances do not fit the needs of The Strand. $200,000 is the minimum amount we need to maintain our business for a year without any profit. We have negotiated a decrease in our rent, however it is not enough. With pressing bills and no idea when concerts and large gatherings will start up again, we are at a loss. This is why we need your help.
Although the government has failed to properly fund us, we refuse to turn our backs on the city that we love and support. In the past 3 years we have sold 100,000 of thousands of tickets for our concerts, not including the people we draw for our block parties. Imagine the influx of people and money we bring into Providence business. For every concert, we help employ Uber and Lyft drivers, bartenders, production teams, lighting crews, caterers, radio hosts, marketers, advertisers, and waitresses. For every concert, we bring a number of people into our great city and into our bars, clubs, restaurants, and hotels. The fate of The Strand is the fate of Providence.
But, forget the bottom line for a moment. For every night at The Strand, we bring people together through their appreciation for music and comedy. We give people a chance to have a night off and spend time with friends and family. We like to think that our work at The Strand makes everyone’s lives just a little better. And we’re not willing to give that up."
See the GoFundMe HERE
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