Restoring the historic Gem Theatre in Grand Forks post flood has been no easy task, but now there’s a cause for celebration. A Gem Theatre Benefit Concert is being held with all proceeds going towards their reconstruction.
Organizer Jan deHaan says the idea for the event stemmed from hearing about the business owner’s story:
“The story was about the owners having to reach into their life saving to reconstruct The Theatre. Apparently they sunk over $200,000 of their own money, and then in fact, in follow up conversations with them I learned that they even had to cash in their own life insurance policies.”
The concert features eight local bands, and the event features door prizes including two Cannafest tickets. There will also be a cash bar with beer donated by Nelson Brewing Company, and wine by Tin Horn Creek Winery. Owner Maureen Paquet says she was sceptical to have an event of this magnitude solely for them, when initially approached.
She also says they were successful in applying for the Red Cross Small Business Support Program:
“We did, we did, and we did receive funding for the Disaster Financial Assistance for which we are very most grateful for. Of course we haven’t even touched half of what we spent, although we are grateful for so much of our donations, I mean we have had personal donations sent in and everything….”
Paquet adds that the concert offers a unique opportunity:
“I think it’s just pretty awesome to have so many bands initiate the stage at The Gem, because it’s a brand new stage. Our old stage was put together very hastily for our production, which we appreciated at that time for sure but this stage was just built for The Gem for the renovation.”
Admission is $20, and tickets are available at the door, The Wooden Spoon, and The Cannafest office. The Gem Theatre Benefit Concert hits The Gem Theatre February 13th at 7PM. Click here to read about the last time we spoke with The Gem.
