Winning first place in the CineMagic costume contest is “The Matrix” crew, pictured from left, Aly and Ross Brinkema, Holli and Kurt Purkeypile, Michelle and Erik Vieselmeyer, and Arika and Eric Luedke.
Revamped CineMagic brings in $35,600 for the Peerless
Even though the CineMagic fundraiser couldn’t be held at the Peerless Center this year due to COVID-19 precautions, a revamped event Saturday, Oct. 24, allowed even more people to enjoy the fun and raise money for the theatre.
CineMagic 2020 raised $35,643.13, including a $15,000 matching grant from the Heginbotham Trust.
The funds will help the Peerless with operating costs, including major fixes like the marquee, heating unit, projector bulb and smoothie machine.
CineMagic is traditionally held at the Peerless, which allows organizers to show off everything the facility has to offer, but it unfortunately limits the number of tables that can be sold for the dinner. This year, however, the number of “tables” sold was unlimited because table sponsors each held their own party at their homes or location of their choice.
Fifteen full tables were sold for the fundraiser, with a few individual tickets sold as well.
Meal choices from Blisties, Happy Jacks Barbeque and The Skillet were individually packaged and delivered or picked up in special coolers that were a gift to the table sponsors.
Item donors and bidders also made the online silent auction successful.
Following the movie theme of past CineMagic events, tables were encouraged to pick a movie and dress in costume. After photos were submitted for judging, first place was awarded to Erik and Michelle Vieselmeyer’s “The Matrix” crew, followed by the Family Affair/Matt and Clela Meusborn’s “The Beverly Hillbillies” group in second place and The Holyoke Enterprise’s “Alice in Wonderland” party in third place.
Having never done an event quite like this before, committee chair Sherry Simms was thrilled with the outcome of this year’s CineMagic and was encouraged by the community support.