‘We’re going home’
Enough funds raised to start FOH repairs
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FAIRMONT-- On Saturday, ahead of the opening matinee performance of the Fairmont Area Community Theater (FACT) production of "Annie," Fairmont Opera House (FOH) Executive Director Blake Potthoff shared that enough funds have been raised to start making necessary repairs to the historic building and thus reopen the facility.
Potthoff, along with the Opera House board members, stood on the stage of the Performing Arts Center at Fairmont High School while the announcement was made.
"We are here today to let you know that thanks to two transformational gifts, we have raised enough money to start construction at the Fairmont Opera House," Potthoff said.
The crowd gathered for the performance erupted in applause as Potthoff continued.
"We've been closed for two and a half years, since December 2023. We can finally say, 'we're going to go home,'" Potthoff said. "We're going to go home."
He thanked all of those who have donated in any amount to the Opera House.
"Your support helped make this happen. Your support helped us get to the goal we had to start the construction, about $3, $3.5 million dollars," Potthoff said.
Then he specifically thanked The Rosen Family Foundation and the Bryan and Mary Beth Sweet Foundation.
In a program that was handed out, The Rosen Family Foundation was listed under Capital Campaign Supporters as "headliners," meaning they donated $1 million plus and the Bryan and Mary Beth Sweet Foundation was listed as "In the Spotlight," donating between $500,000 and $999,999. Others who gave a considerable amount were also listed as "In the Front Row," giving between $100,000 and $249,000.
While the crowd again began to clap, Potthoff stressed that there is still more work to be done. He said they still need to secure at least a million dollars more to cover all expenses of the project.
"But this ensures that we will survive," Potthoff said. "That we will continue and that we will be back in the Fairmont Opera House very soon. Sooner than we've been closed," he said.
More information and ways to donate can be found online at fairmontoperahouse.org.