Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation Receives $250K Contribution

The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation
announced today it has received a $250,000 contribution from a nonprofit
Coachella Valley-based foundation as part of an effort to help complete its
restoration, set to open in December.
  

The Auen Foundation is a private grant-making organization that will
receive recognition as a founding donor, with the plaza's mezzanine set to be
renamed to Auen Mezzanine.
  

``The Auen Foundation is proud to support the Plaza Theatre Foundation
as a founding donor in the restoration of this cultural treasure in the
heart of Palm Springs,'' Sherrie Auen, trustee of the foundation, said in a
statement.
  

With a deadline set to reopen in December and a slate of shows
including the Palm Springs Symphony, the theatre is still in need of raising $6
million for its ongoing restorations.
  

``We are honored to work with this respected foundation, which helps
increase quality of life for so many,'' J.R. Roberts, president of the Plaza
Theatre Foundation, said in statement. ``There are several significant naming
opportunities remaining, so other organizations and individuals may join the
Auen Foundation to help us restore this icon, where the culture of Palm Springs
takes center stage.''
  

The theatre at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive first opened in 1936 with a
world-premiere of the Academy Award-winning film, ``Camille,'' starring Greta
Garbo. It was also a venue for numerous broadcast radio programs with actors
including Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Jack Benny, according to its website.
  

The restoration includes replacing seats, sound, lighting and other
modern equipment to make it accessible for everyone, officials said.
  

More information on the restoration project can be found at
savetheplazatheatreps.com.
  

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