THE MONTE RIO THEATER
SUPPORT THE MONTE RIO THEATER TODAY SO WE CAN HOST FILMS AND EVENTS IN 2024!
It's been a year full of new movies,
music and community magic! And we're SO CLOSE to our WeFunder goal!
Direct support from individuals like you is more vital than ever as we address urgent, yet overdue repair needs. Bringing the property into compliance supports a profitable and stable future for the Monte Rio Theater.
OUR STORY
In December 2020, at the age of 89, Hollywood icon Ed Asner made the 16 hour round trip drive from LA to Monte Rio to raise support for the Rio Theater. When we arrived, the theater felt abandoned. It was dark, cold and empty. That video ended up being one of Ed’s last appearances.
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But now, the reimagined Monte Rio Theater is very much ALIVE. Thanks to your enthusiasm, the theater is a hub of NEW RELEASES, fun, and a happy community.
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CBS Bay Area Channel 5 personality and host of "Liam's List," Liam Mayclem calls the Rio “the world’s most adorable theater.”
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We love it just as much as you do! However, we recently found out that the property needs emergency repairs to bring it up to code compliance. The estimate for testing, design, permitting and new construction is $175,000.
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Bringing the property up to code allows us to pursue the path to profitability and a stable long term future. New opportunities give the Monte Rio a chance to thrive like never before.
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New Guidelines for Wine and Beer Sales: On Jan. 1, 2023, the new Entertainment Venue Recovery Act goes into law. The bill allows live theater venues to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption onsite. If we continue to offer live music and performance onsite, we can sell Sonoma County’s world class local wine and beer. We know you want a beer garden. This is how we can get one.
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One of a kind historic venue for weddings and large outdoor events: Code compliant facilities would let us attract new customers for weddings and other large events, both outdoors and indoors.
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Rental Income: The property is zoned to allow at least one single family home and an AirBnB.
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Infrastructure investment is confirmed for Monte Rio: The construction of the new Bohemian Highway bridge and a stoplight in front of the theater will bring new tourism opportunities to Monte Rio.
Ed Asner called the Rio Theater "The crown jewel of the Russian river."
If you also feel that the theater adds value to the livelihood in Sonoma County, please help us stay open in 2023. Our phase 1 campaign goal is $64,300 to do the site testing, design, discovery, permit fees, repairs and maintenance.
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Please consider supporting us today during our "We Can Be Heroes" fundraiser. It's the perfect way to make a lasting impact on the theater.
Thank you for your consideration and we hope to see you soon at “the most adorable theater in the world.”
With gratitude,
The Monte Rio Team
"The Monte Rio theater is undergoing a transformation as a mecca of events and culture."
The Mercury News, August. 8, 2022
How to Help
Support the “We Can Be Heroes” fundraiser by adopting a seat at the beautiful and historic Monte Rio Theater with your name, or by dedicating it to a moving-loving friend or family member. Support of the “We Can Be Heroes” campaign directly contributes to critical repairs at the Rio and get us a whole lot closer to a stable, long term future.
Check our the AMAZING thank you gifts that only a true rock star like yourself should have. Then fill out your information to add your name or a special message for the lifetime* of the chair.
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Seats - $1,000
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THANK YOU!
Your support makes the movies and events at the theater possible.
To pay by check, please address it to "MRTE" and mail to
PO Box 62, Monte Rio, Ca 95462.
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Please be sure to let us know the name for your chair.
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Thank you for your support and for making a difference!