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Buy the Best Seat in Traverse City
by Lisa Diggs
In May of 2005 an inspired band of Traverse City faithful, led by filmmaker Michael Moore, decided it would be a great idea for the city to host a film festival. By July of that same year, the Traverse City Film Festival (TCFF) was up and running! It has become an annual event that drives people from around the nation and the world to discover one of Michigan’s gem cities, and to celebrate movies together.
One of the most beloved venues of the festival is the Lars Hockstad Auditorium in historic Central Grade School. Built in 1922, it is in serious need of some improvements, particularly when it comes to the uncomfortable and cramped seating. TCFF is committed to replacing the seats, not just for the annual festival, but for the students who use them year-round.
“There is no way the school district could do a project like this -- they, like all school districts now, are on the financial ropes,” Moore stated in a message to supporters. He also personally put up the first $10,000 of the $100,000 project.
In 2007, under the direction of TCFF, the old State Theatre in downtown Traverse City underwent a massive renovation to restore it to its former glory. The result was an amazing transformation. Moore will employ the same Michigan company, Greystone Public Seating, to do the chair work on this project. The plan is to tear out a thousand old seats and replace them with 805 brand new ones, adding both plush comfort and leg room.
Greystone prides itself on working with a variety of Michigan suppliers in the manufacturing and assembly of their auditorium, educational, worship, and theatre seating. Products from the Zeeland-based manufacturer can be found in a wide spectrum of entertainment venues including the Henry Ford Museum IMAX, Celebration Cinemas, Goodrich Quality Theaters, Warren Theaters, and Ford Field.
In order to accomplish this feat and have the auditorium finished by festival time in July, a 3-day NEW SEATS FOR LARS! campaign was launched on May 10th. Overnight a significant amount of the funds were raised, stunning even Moore.
He stated in a follow-up message to supporters, “I really can't believe it. At a time when everyone has had to cut back, tighten their belts, watch their wallets, and look out for #1 -- what do the Friends of the Traverse City Film Festival do? During the first 24 hours of the community fundraising project, you have already raised MORE THAN 50 PERCENT of the $100,000 goal to put new seats into Lars Hockstad Auditorium! I am beside myself. I knew people would respond, but frankly, I also know we live in Michigan and what that means right now.”
The campaign's off to a tremendous start, but it's worth noting that the goal has not been yet been achieved with a deadline rapidly approaching. At press there are still more than $12,000 to be raised, and any donation is and appreciated.
If you’re inspired to help the kids at Central Grade School here are some options for lending your support:
Sponsor a Seat Have your name, or the name of someone you want to honor, permanently affixed to one of these beautiful new seats. It's only $200 to sponsor a seat.
Make an Online Contribution in Any Amount If you give $50 or more you will have your name placed on a plaque in the lobby outside the auditorium. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
Click HERE to sponsor a seat or donate in any amount via PayPal or by using a credit card.
Donate via Text Message Text LARS to 52000 to donate $10. A one-time $10 donation will then be charged to your wireless cell phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. You can text more than once if you'd like to give more than $10!
For questions or additional opportunities email info@traversecityfilmfest.org or call 231-392-1134. You can follow the progress of the fundraising campaign on the donation page.
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Photos: 1) New Greystone seats in State Theatre; 2-5) Current LARS seating; 5) Pre-renovation seats at State Theatre; 6) Restored State Theatre
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