Hello Lincoln Theatre Members and Friends,
COVID-19 Update 2/15/2021
Time flies even when you are NOT have fun! The most challenging year that most of us can remember has finally drawn to a close - but I'm allowing 2020 a few more troubling weeks before I'm ringing it out. With the extraordinary support of our donors, financial reserves, and a PPP loan/grant, we were able to keep our staff fully employed through the end of 2020. We opened our Popcorn Pop Up, began streaming Films and Live Concerts, and increased grant writing efforts and financial support requests to allow us to remain staffed even though we are closed to the public. They have worked tirelessly these past 10 months to keep the theatre they love running smoothly. During this time, we began renovations to the theatre's auditorium, as well as our lobby and administration office, to improve safety for our guests. Now, like many institutions, even with the passing of the new CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021, we have reached a point in which we must reduce expenses and conserve resources in an effort to ensure the long-term financial stability of our historic theatre, and our ability to return to serving this great community, in full, once this crisis allows us to. Half of our staff were put on furlough beginning January 1, 2021 and our remaining admin staff will move from exempt to non-exempt status. We plan on seeing everyone back as soon as possible.Our Box Office is now open from noon to 5:00pm Weekdaysfor a daily Popcorn Pop Up.
Two steps forward - one step back. Changes coming with the Governor's new "Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery" plan have us in Phase 2 as on 2/15/2021 allowing us to reopen at 25% capacity. Click HERE for a reopeing survey. Your input will make a difference on how and when we reopen.
We do see a light at the end of the tunnel and now is the time to rejoice but also to Hunker Down: Wear your Mask, Stay Safe and Sane when you Leave Home, and Forego Large Gatherings. If we can all do that over the next few weeks, the sooner we can reopen and start building a better, more cultural future!
Projects already completed include: Carpets cleaned; walls washed; all seat upholstery cleaned; draperies cleaned and hemmed; hardwood floor under and around seats cleaned, sanded, and stained, and stage floor painted. Additionally, we've contracted with HKP Architects to design a better flow through our lobby, with our concessions moving to the adjacent space to the south where our box office currently occupies, and expanding our Women's Restroom. Box Office Tickets will be purchased from outside of the theatre, traditional to historic theater practices. Moving concessions out of the lobby will also create additional space to expand our Women's restroom, which can develop long lines at a sold-out show. First draft of HKP renovation plans HERE.
Your health and safety are our top priorities when you visit the Lincoln. As we closely monitor the daily changes to the response of COVID-19 in Washington State, we will continue to keep you informed about what the Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation is doing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and to prepare for a safe reopening. The Lincoln's staff have been working hard for months to ensure we can exceed the guidelines of the Governor's Safe Start Plan and the Skagit County Health Department to ensure we meet all of the requirements for reopening. In keeping with State and Local, and CinemaSafe.org guidelines, theater attendees will be required to maintain a 6 feet social distance between households and to wear facial coverings at all times when not eating and drinking. Online ordering of tickets and concessions will be available as well. We will continue to communicate with the local and state Health Departments, closely monitor our status, and continue to adjust to new guidelines as quickly as possible. As expansion continues, we will proceed cautiously and be ready for possible setbacks or spikes in infection rates, and takes appropriate action.
Based on mandates from Governor Inslee, and recommendations from the Skagit County Health Department, and our concern for the Health and Safety of our patrons, staff, volunteers, and our community as a whole at this time we are cancelling or rescheduling all live events probably through Fall of 2021. Films may return sooner.
The Lincoln Theatre Center Foundation is facing a major financial loss as a result of COVID-19 related postponements and cancellations that could go on for months, and WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please think of your current situation and family first, but if you are able, please consider a tax-deductible gift to help support our mission through these challenging times. The CARES act provides new incentives for charitable giving. The law includes an above-the-line charitable deduction of up to $300 per taxpayer for Eligible Individuals that do Not Itemize. The above-the-line deduction will give nonprofit supporters who normally do not receive tax benefits, incentive to make gifts to their favorite causes this year. For itemizers: 100% of AGI Limit for Cash Contributions to Public and Private Charities! This provision is huge for charitable giving. This year, taxpayers may deduct gifts of cash regardless of whether given to a public charity or private foundation and deduct them up to their contribution base --100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). Gifts of cash made to public charities are normally limited to 60% of AGI.
Please consider making a gift to help support our mission through these challenging times: