Home » Columbia Gas donates $15,000 
to Friends of the Kentucky Theatre

Columbia Gas donates $15,000 
to Friends of the Kentucky Theatre

Campaign seeks $1 million to improve lighting, seating and other upgrades

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 2, 2013) — The Friends of the Kentucky Theatre on Friday received a $15,000 grant from Columbia Gas of Kentucky in support of its $1 million theatre renovation campaign.

Kentucky Theatre
Kentucky Theatre

The Columbia Gas contribution will support the improvement of lighting in the theatre as well as basic upgrades, such as the replacement of worn-out seating.

Columbia Gas is partnering with the non-profit Friends to ensure the Kentucky Theatre continues to serve Lexington and the surrounding region as a venue for diverse educational, cultural and arts programming.

“NiSource and Columbia Gas of Kentucky believe in sustaining our communities,” said Columbia Gas of Kentucky President Herb Miller Jr. “This renovation project brings together the technological advances of digital projection while renewing one of Lexington’s historic landmarks. We are pleased to help the Kentucky Theatre remain a cultural gathering place for generations to come.”

Mayor Jim Gray thanked Columbia Gas and everyone who has donated to the theatre.

“As we make plans for Lexington’s future, it is so important to know, value and understand what’s special, unique and authentic about Lexington’s history,” Gray said. “The Kentucky is a very important part of our past and our future.”

So far, a total of $576,042 has been raised toward the campaign goal of $1 million.

The mission of the Friends is to preserve, renovate and enhance the rheatre and create a fund for its continued maintenance over the coming years. The 90-year-old cinema has become a cultural institution through the historic grandeur of its building, its iconic marquee and the diverse, community-centered programming it provides. A charitable fund has been established with Blue Grass Community Foundation. Donations can be made online at www.kentuckytheatrefriends.org.