Fundraiser for the Ritz Theatre during annual Community Yard Sale

The Ritz Theatre has served as a historic landmark and provided a beloved community pastime for countless years.

When the theatre risked closure, the Ritzville Downtown Development Association (RDDA) made the decision to step up to operate the facility.

Two years ago, a group of volunteers banded together to host a fundraiser for the theatre in order to purchase a digital projector. The community rallied in support and raised an estimated $8,600 to put towards buying the projector.

A final donation helped the RDDA purchase the projector and the group worked to renovate the historic theatre.

The organization felt the success of the project in the beginning, but over time, costs for the theatre have increased.

Due to the rising costs, the RDDA has decided to host another fundraiser yard sale on June 18 in coordination with the Ritzville Community Yard Sale.

All of the donated items available for purchase are in the American Legion Hall, and residents are welcome to stop by from June 16-18 to view and buy items. Proceeds from the sale go directly to the Ritz Theatre donation account.

John Rankin is the manager of the theatre and works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as coordinating the movies to be played.

The Ritz Theatre is one of just a handful of single screen movie theatres left in the state, as most have gone out of business because of the expenses.

Rankin explained, “What it comes down to numbers-wise is $2,000 a month for the building and expenses.”

The overall costs include utilities, insurance and taxes, Rankin explained. On top of the monthly costs of operating the theatre, the organization is also charged with movie costs.

Rankin said on average, each movie shown at the theatre is a minimum cost of $300 each. In order to cover the costs just to play the movie, 40 people have to purchase a ticket.

The movie studios also take a large portion of the door, ranging from 50-70 percent of ticket sales.

During the past year, Rankin estimated the Ritz Theatre lost $3,000. Rankin said they thought they would be able to break even each year because it is operated by a nonprofit and ran by volunteers.

But the costs keep climbing for the theatre, while increased ticket prices would be too expensive for large families in the area.

Rankin said the limited market makes it difficult for the theatre to break even, as the business is only drawing from three rural communities.

The most successful movies at the theatre have proved to be children’s movies, Rankin explained, and if the theatre can have two successful showings a month, they will record a positive or breakeven bottom line.

Rankin said the main purpose behind the fundraiser sale is to have a cushion in case of emergency.

Currently, the theatre donation account has an estimated $3,000, and Rankin worries about having sufficient funds if a major issue occurs, like the boiler failing.

A goal for the RDDA is to eventually replace the boiler and improve the air handlers within the building, but currently they do not have the funds.

Rankin explained they are researching potential grants to assist with the cost of those projects, and there is always the potential of another large donation.

In the meantime, the RDDA is relying on fundraisers to assist with the rising costs in order to ensure the theatre remains open and available for the community.

Beverly Cobb is coordinating the fundraiser event, and any individual who is interested in donating to the yard sale can stop by the Legion Hall or reach her at 660-0225.

Rankin explained the majority of items in the sale are high quality donations, and include large pieces of furniture, as well as small collectables or household products.

Monetary donations can be made to the Ritz Theatre and dropped off at the sale.

Any individual who is interested in volunteering at the theatre is asked to contact Rankin.

Any left over items from the sale will be donated to the Ritzville Church of the Nazarene and put in the Goodwill truck.

The Ritz Theatre has two more movies scheduled for June, and then will be closed from July 1-24.

Rankin explained the closure is due to the lack of air conditioning in the building, as well as harvest season.