A grant for $1,667 from the Capital Region Community Foundation will help area residents in their ongoing effort to renovate the Wilson Center Auditorium in St. Johns.
“The grant money helps us finalize all the components of our new sound system,” says renovation committee member, Darryl Schmitz. “The necessary equipment has been ordered and will arrive in time for several of our upcoming events.”
The completion of the sound system allows the committee to focus its fund-raising efforts on replace the antiquated lighting system in the auditorium.
“This is a critical need as we move forward,” says Bill Tennant, committee treasurer. “Being able to adequately light a show or concert will encourage more events being scheduled into this marvelous facility.”
The cost estimate for lighting improvements is approximately $20,000. After the lighting improvements are made, the rest of the seats will need to be renovated – that will finalize the project.
Fundraising concerts continue this fall with the “basement band,” The Regulators performing Friday, Nov. 5. Ernie Block and Kathy Motycka conclude the fall series Nov. 19. Admission is $5; shows begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson Center Auditorium, located on Cass Street in downtown St. Johns across from the Clinton County Courthouse.
The annual Community Christmas Concert is set for Friday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The annual “Messiah Sing” begins at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 5.
Donations to the Wilson Center Renovation Project may be made via a check made payable to St. Johns Schools Foundation for Excellence, PO Box 331, St. Johns, MI., 48879. Donations are tax deductible.