The Pickford Film Center is changing the way it does fundraising. Funded by The M.J. Murdoch Foundation and Washington taxpayers, The Pickford is now asking for donations through its website for a new theater, Pickford on Grand. What’s more, the general public can buy their own programming for $2,300 through the Film Programmer for a Day Fund.
Despite a very successful campaign for Pickford on Grand, unforeseen construction costs of around one million dollars have been calamitous to progress. Still, The Pickford has no intention of slowing down.
“Pausing construction will make everything a lot more expensive and try the patience of the organization and the community,” said Executive Director Susie Purves.
The entire Pickford organization is overseen by Purves. She has worked with various churches of nonprofits, like the Northwest Film Forum and Seattle International Film Festival — better known as SIFF — which brought her to The Pickford.
“Before the pandemic, we had a second venue, and we had to close it. It’s very apparent that this community wants more films, more kinds of films, and more opportunities to see them,” Purves said. “We can only do that with another venue.”
Purves and the rest of the staff heard the community loud and clear, bringing Pickford on Grand to life. It would be the second Bellingham venue at 65,000 square feet, containing three cinemas and a lobby with concessions.
To help bring the project to fruition, The Pickford created the Film Programmer for a Day Fund. Any individual, family or group of friends who donates $2,300 to the cause can choose a film that will be regularly played at The Pickford on Grand every Thursday for a year.
Two donors have already chosen “Harold and Maude” and “Moonstruck.” The Pickford is limited to playing films it can get the rights to, according to Purves.
Donors will receive twenty tickets per showing to take friends and family. All other tickets will be sold to the public.
Whether it be to have a top pick of film played in a theater for 60 people or a simple donation of five dollars, the Pickford needs the public’s help.
“I urge people to please donate and show their support for us,” said Purves.
Vanessa Ewart-Northrop (she/her) is a city life reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a third-year Journalism major with a NewsEd focus. In her free time, Vanessa likes to see live music, do crafts with her friends and spend time with her cat Pigeon. You can reach her at vanessaewartnorthrop.thefront@gmail.com.
