September is the last month in a year-long matching grant program Shore Medical Center offered to help save Somers Point’s Gateway Playhouse.
SOMERS POINT, N.J. — About two weeks remain in a 12-month matching grant challenge between the Gateway Playhouse and Shore Medical Center — both located on Bay Avenue in Somers Point — to help the Gateway raise funds for renovations and a reopening.
The city-owned, 102-year-old Playhouse has raised nearly $50,000 in the last 11 months through various fundraisers and charitable donations — which is around the halfway point of a $100,000 matching grant offer from Shore Medical Center. Because of Shore Medical’s pledge, every dollar raised thus far has, in essence, become two dollars, but more monetary assistance is still needed to expedite the process, and assure that the “show must go on.”
The Playhouse has been closed for much-needed renovations since 2006. The Theater Collaborative of South Jersey, a 501c3 non-profit organization responsible for Gateway Playhouse’s revitalization, is the organization behind the effort to bring back the playhouse and raise awareness of its link to Somers Point’s local economy and cultural community.
The Theater Collaborative of South Jersey (TCSJ) partnered with Shore Medical Center in September 2011 in an effort to reopen the Gateway Playhouse. Shore Medical Center offered $100,000 matching funds grant to the TCSJ to assist in completing the renovations and repairs to get the theater’s doors back open so that “the shows will go on” in Somers Point. As part of the agreement, when the theater is not being utilized for performances, Shore Medical will have access to it for certain training instruction and seminars.
“The partnership is significant in getting the theater’s doors open both for performances and other uses, and is a win-win for everyone,” says TCSJ board chairman Jim Dalfonso. “When the Gateway Playhouse is finished and ready to be open, it will be a much-needed destination for local theater, concerts, performances and presentations.”
Since 2009, more than $310,000 has been raised and used to provide the Gateway with a new foundation, joists, sub-flooring, second-floor framework and a brand-new roof. For the first time in over 50 years, the Gateway Playhouse is structurally sound. Much of the funding thus far came from Pepsi Refresh Project — an initiative by PepsiCo that awards millions of dollars per year in grants to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that have positive impacts on their community, state or nation.
To donate to the Gateway Playhouse, click here, call Dalfonso at (609) 653-0553 or e-mail him at jim@gatewaybythebay.org.
A number of issues have been subject to debate regarding the Gateway Playhouse, located in the historic district of Somers Point, since it came under that municipality's ownership about four months a...
The Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point was founded in 1910 and moved to its current 280-seat location at Bay and Higbee avenues in the early 1920s. It was purchased by the City of Somers Point in 2006 and has been closed since that time pending much-needed renovations.
Where: St. Joseph's School Auditorium, Somers Point When: Saturday, June 6, 7-11pm Details: Tickets are available at the door for $20, or in advance by calling 334-7140 or 432-0871. The evening inc...
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1. Shiff said... on Sep 18, 2012 at 11:10AM
“Please don't let this local treasure go away...so many have worked hard to keep it alive! It's good for the arts in the AC region...think about our kids and next generation.”
2. Bob F. said... on Sep 24, 2012 at 12:34PM
“i saw the marquee is gone now...does that mean they are good to go?”