'The Heat Must Go On' Raises Thousands For Jane Pickens Theater

The Friends of the organization hosted this past Saturday to raise money for an upgraded heating system at the theater. According to one member, the event raised over $10,000 that will go towards a more efficient system.

Holly Grosvenor, development director for the Friends of the Jane Pickens Theater, said that for a complete heating system renovation, the theater needs a new furnace system and insulation. Their fundraising goal is $50,000, which will cover the cost of the new system. Although the final count on the amount raised has not been announced, Grosvenor said she was confident that it was about 25 percent of their overall goal.

"The event was very positive," said Grosvenor. "We had a good group at Vanderbilt Hall, where we had a cocktail party. . .People were very supportive of the cause to preserve the Jane Pickens Theater."

Following the cocktail party, which went for $100 per ticket, was a screening of the documentary Last Day at Shea. The film followed the history of Billy Joel and Shea Stadium, culminating in the final performance at the venue. Tickets were $20 and Grosvenor said that theater was full the night of the screening. She estimated that over one hundred people attended.

Grosvenor said that more fundraisers are in the works, but the board is not ready to announce them yet.

"I'm happy that there was so much community support," she said. "The biggest thing is publicity and [making] the community aware that we're on our way to renovating the Jane Pickens. We want make the theater more usable."

The Friends of the Jane Pickens Theater is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the arts and culture in Newport. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.friendsjpt.org/ or contact Holly Grosvenor at 401-846-5474.