Welcome to the Denis!

DENIS THEATRE SOON TO BE

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!!

GREAT NEWS! A SALES AGREEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED, AND CLOSING COULD HAPPEN WITHIN TWO MONTHS!

On August 31, 2010, a Sales Agreement was signed between the Denis Theatre Foundation and the owners, D. and Neeta Raja. This was made possible due to the outpouring of support from so many corners, including locals, out of state donors, businesses and foundations. In short, the entire South Hills community, the Pittsburgh region and beyond - stepped up, big time, to help us reach this milestone.

The Foundation would particularly like to thank the Pittsburgh Foundation for its generous gift of $100,000, and an anonymous foundation for a $155,000 Challenge Grant. The Challenge Grant catalyzed the campaign by spurring on many new donations, and allowed us to reach new donors. It also inspired previous donors to increase their pledges, with the knowledge that they were effectively doubling their gifts. And the great news is that THE CHALLENGE WAS MET, with over $155,000 in gifts since June!

Even in this challenging economy, the community responded with time, talent and treasure, with the knowledge that the arts bring a rich texture to our lives. Together we are working to build a region that celebrates the arts and a sense of civic engagement.

We Did It!!

Now it’s onward to the renovation phase to open our first screen, the Encore Theatre. To do this, approximately $1.8M in additional support will be needed, and many new donors will be asked to participate. We will rely on a combination of individuals, businesses and the philanthropic community to participate.

Stay tuned for more news in the coming months about how your continued energy and support can move us forward to create our shared vision of an independent film theater and cultural center. We are in this together, and momentum is on our side.

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Anne Kemerer

As most of you know, our Executive Director, Anne Kemerer, is a dedicated individual who helped assemble a dynamic team to rally to the cause. During the past months Anne has been regularly traveling to Connecticut to care for her parents. Because of this priority she has asked to step down as the Executive Director of the Denis Theatre Foundation. Anne will continue as a project advisor, offering her expertise to the board and to the Capital Campaign Committee.

“Having the foundation buy the Denis Theatre is a dream come true”, Anne said. “The incredible work of the board and advisory board, the financial support of our hundreds of donors, and the thousands of hours put in by volunteers have been awe-inspiring to me! Although I need to focus on my family I expect to always remain a part of this amazing project.”

The Denis Theatre Foundation has initiated the search for a new Executive Director. In the interim, current board member Jennifer Smokelin will serve as acting Executive Director, with the assistance of the board and advisory board.