Group Trying to Raise $600K for Ioka

A local nonprofit group is facing a March 31 deadline to raise $600,000 as it attempts to buy the historic Ioka building and revive it as a community theater.

The Exeter Theater Company wants to purchase the Ioka from local philanthropist Alan Lewis, who won a bidding war for it at a 2011 auction.

Lewis said he was going to lease to the Ioka to the theater company, but he recently changed his mind and now wants to sell it for $600,000—the same amount he bought it for. The $600,000 was nearly double the building's assessed value in 2011.

The theater company is holding a series of fundraising events this month to reach their goal.

"Our first important deadline is fast approaching—$600,000 by March 31 to purchase the building," ETC board chair Tony Callendrello said in a statement. "This makes March the crucial month for talking to as many people as we can, answering their questions, and rallying their financial support."

The theater company wants to fix up the Ioka and make it available for movies, plays, concerts, and other performances.

Below is a list of the theater company's events this month:

• Thursday, March 7, 11:30am-1pm – Meet & Greet with Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce — A special lunch presentation to Chamber members.
• Saturday, March 9, 7:30pm – Buster Keaton Silent Film Double Feature — Exeter Town Hall, 9 Front Street, Exeter. A rare chance to hear renowned silent film musician Jeff Rapsis provide live accompaniment to two Buster Keaton classics – The Cameraman andSherlock Jr – in Exeter’s beautiful Town Hall.  Proceeds to benefit the IOKA. Admission: $15.  Information and tickets available at exetertheater.org or at Water Street Books (125 Water Street, Exeter).
• Sunday, March 10, 2-5pm – IOKA Phone-a-thon — Exeter Theater Company board members and volunteers call members of the community to build support and awareness for the Century Campaign for the IOKA. To volunteer for the phone bank, contact Allison Battles at allison@exetertheater.org.
• Wednesday, March 13, 6:30-8:30pm – IOKA Information Soiree — Exeter Mill, 10 Chestnut St, Exeter. An opportunity to mix and mingle with the IOKA team for residents of Exeter Mill, the Water Street business community, and the general public. No admission fee. RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.
• Wednesday, March 20, 7pm - Water Street Books reception — 125 Water Street, Exeter. Mix and mingle with the IOKA team and the staff of Water Street Books. A portion of the proceeds of book sales that night will benefit the IOKA. Open to the public and no admission fee. RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.
• Thursday, March 28, 6:30-8pm - Exeter Public Library info session — 4 Chestnut Street, Exeter. An opportunity to mix and mingle with the IOKA team for the staff and patrons of the Exeter Public Library. Open to the public and no admission fee. RSVP to Adam at adam@exetertheater.org.

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