Thursday, April 9, 2020
Dear Coolidge friends,
March 13th seems like an eternity ago, when we announced our closing due to the COVID-19 health crisis. We miss you all so much, and are thrilled that so many of you are staying connected to the Coolidge community through our Virtual Screening Room offerings.
We continue to be overwhelmed by the show of kindness and support from our community. You remain a beacon of light during these dark times and we are eternally grateful.
We have been fortunate to be able to continue to pay all Coolidge staff thus far. However, about 75% of our revenue is derived from ticket and concession sales, and we are now faced with the very real challenge of covering our fixed operating expenses with very little income. To reduce operating costs we have made the difficult decision to furlough some staff members. It is our intention to welcome back our furloughed employees when we are in a position to reopen.
So many of you have reached out to see what you can do. We've offered some suggestions below.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT to the Coolidge. Your support today will help sustain us as we continue to offer you a wide range of lively Coolidge programs online. Recently passed legislation includes a special incentive to encourage charitable donations.
BECOME A "VIRTUAL SCREENING ROOM" GROUPIE AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS. Many of you have enjoyed our Virtual Screening Room offerings and formed your own virtual film clubs. Thank you! Your rental of these films and purchase of tickets for film education classes helps support the Coolidge during this unprecedented time.
RENEW YOUR COOLIDGE MEMBERSHIP TODAY. Your membership (or renewed membership) will activate when we reopen. Income from memberships provides critical revenue for the Coolidge, especially now.
PURCHASE A COOLIDGE GIFT CARD. Who won't want to run back to the movies when this is all over? Gift cards are great birthday, anniversary, and "just because" presents and can also be used to purchase Coolidge memberships.
Given the uncertain circumstances, we have also cancelled our near-term in-theatre programming. We are contacting individual ticket holders to offer a refund or an opportunity to donate the value of their ticket as a fully tax-deductible donation.
We look forward to the joyful day when we can all gather as a Coolidge community in person again—for our favorite films, educational programs, panel discussions, and of course popcorn. We'll stay in touch, and wish you and your families health and safety in the weeks ahead.
THANK YOU!
Your Friends at the Coolidge
