For years, groups have been trying to restore the theater and this year seems to be the time that the Ritz will get some reconstruction.
Although the damage is severe and has not been maintained in decades, PATCH, the non profit behind the restoration, has taken reigns on the project.
Tonight kicks off their Ritz ‘Raise The Roof’ campaign where they will try and raise $100,000 by July.
For the first time, they will match any amount raised from until the July deadline.
Monica Sawyer, President of PATCH, says, “the roof is leaky and we really need that to be fixed so that we can truly save the Ritz. Then once we raise the $100,000 and repair the roof, then the city will match that $100,000 and we’ll be able to use that for bathrooms and electrical and air conditioning and things like that.”
Sawyer says if they do not meet that $100,000 limit, the TIRZ program will still match whatever they raise through July.
‘Raise the Roof’ Campaign will be held at the Ritz with a reception at BUS.