Moviegoers queue in the Traer Theatre foyer on Oct. 1, 2021, for the first time since the theatre had been closed due to the pandemic. More than a year later, the community-owned theatre has found it difficult to continue to operate. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

As we continue to “get back to normal after the long Covid shutdown, we have found it financially difficult to keep operating on a day-to-day basis. Movie studios have not returned to full operations, and it is sometimes difficult to obtain the type of movies that historically do well in Traer. This has resulted in smaller attendance, while at the same time facing higher concession and operating costs. We are forced to consider shutdowns of one or two weeks at a time to avoid paying for movies that will not draw a decent crowd.

We would like to say thank you for your past support of our theatre. We are very thankful for our many volunteers and donors that help us on a weekly basis. Our Theatre could not function without your support. It’s important to understand that the Theatre is not owned by the city, it is community owned and operated. The Traer Theatre is a self-sustaining entity that receives no regular funding from the city or outside sources. The Theatre needs to raise funds for ongoing operations to continue to be an asset to the community.

As a community-owned Theatre, we would like to formally ask you to consider supporting the

Traer Theatre with a monetary donation. Your gift allows us to cover Theatre operating costs, such as paying employees, purchasing movies, and the overall upkeep of our Theatre building and equipment. Your gift is important to our Theatre, no matter the amount.

All gifts are welcome and appreciated! All gifts will be recognized on our Donor’s slide during the pre-movie advertising at the Theatre.

Gifts can be sent to the Theatre at 516 2nd Street, Traer, IA 50675 or they can be dropped off during any time a show is running.

If you would like your gift to be tax deductible, please make the check payable to the

‘Traer Community Foundation’. (Please note in the Memo line that the gift is for the Theatre

Fundraiser). Foundation checks may also be delivered directly to Farmers Savings Bank.

Thanks so much for your support of the Traer Theatre!

Sincerely and with appreciation,

Traer Theatre Manager and Board of Directors

Mona Larsen, Jon Panfil, Judy Boerm, Trish Kennedy, Jeff Jacobs, Julie Dostal