Agawam Cinemas owner reaches fundraising goal

Date: 11/20/2014

By Angelique Fiske
angelique@thereminder.com

AGAWAM The "Save the Agawam Cinemas" KickStarter fundraising campaign ended Nov. 15, and not only did Kim Wheeler, the new owner of the cinemas, meet her goal of $40,000, she exceeded it, raising $45,126 in 30 days.
With 277 supporters donating to the cause, Wheeler was excited to reach her goal, but she had never anticipated surpassing it. The support, Wheeler said, even stretched beyond Agawam into surrounding communities.

"I definitely knew we would receive community support but I underestimated how much support we would receive," Wheeler said. "The support was more widespread than I anticipated."
Much of this support came from Agawam businesses, as well. Salon Tres Chic and Day Spa held a cut-a-thon with all proceeds going towards the Agawam Cinemas. Clients were asked to make a $20 donation for a hair cut, and the stylists ultimately donated their tips from the event. The event raised $1,000, and Wheeler was astonished again by the community support.

"It was amazing. They were all so generous to do that," Wheeler said.

Now that the money has been pledged, Wheeler said she has to wait a few weeks for the money to clear through KickStarter and for the funds to become available. The money will be used to ship in new equipment to prepare the theater to make the switch to digital projection.

Wheeler set out on her mission when she learned that the Agawam Cinemas would be closing its door in May, and though she had originally hoped to reopen by Thanksgiving, renovations to the building have been taking longer than expected. She said she is now aiming for early December.

Despite having to push back the opening date, Wheeler is grateful there will be one at all. 

"People really came out to preserve this theater, and I am privileged to keep the torch burning for them," Wheeler said.