to w n top ics continued Photo courtesy of David Rutherford Last Saturday Cinema, three free outdoor movie events hosted by the Denis Theatre Foundation, drew large crowds this summer. The foundation hopes this bodes well for the "silent" capital campaign it has undertaken. The foundation needs to raise $2.5 million to renovate enough of the theater to open one screen and $4.5 million to refurbish the entire building. The Link 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament would like to extend a thank you to the following individuals for their years of hard work, dedication and support: Peg Lackner Bill Lackner Nancy Lasko Gary Schwartz Paul Garlitz Jamie Linkowski Jeff Linkowski The Warmbein Family Carolyn Cusick Atria's Mark Saghy Lori Tuttle Bob Tuttle James Moore the park's original design but was cut to streamline the project. Uptown Business Association President Joe Ravita, owner of Empire Music, is looking forward to the upgrade: "It will continue to strengthen the brand of Uptown Mt. Lebanon, to help the business district remain vital." The project has changed along the way as the economic conditions morphed. For example, original plans called for elaborate gateway signs that no longer seemed appropriate, so that money was put into the gazebo with the blessing of the DCED. That gazebo will shield the many performances in Clearview Common from the elements and give a sense of place to the gathering spot. DENiS DoNoRS Could movies at the Denis Theatre be close at hand? The theater's foundation sure hopes so, as it plunges into the "silent phase" of its capital campaign. Foundation executive director Anne Kemerer estimates the entire renovation of the 1938 theater at about $4.5 million, but the first phase will only cost $2.5 million. That money will allow the foundation to purchase the building from its current owner, businessman and Mt. Lebanon Commissioner Raja and his family, open the smaller encore theater inside, renovate all major systems such as heating and make the place accessible to the handicapped. The foundation hopes to raise 50 to 60 percent of that first phase money through what it is calling a silent capital campaign, where the foundation is approaching a small number of potential major donors. Once that money is raised, the campaign will go community-wide. The foundation hopes to run the Denis as a three-screen independent theater, art house and community center. It could even become a performance space for bands or a center for lectures and other activities. Are you a potential lead donor? Call Kemerer at akemerer@denistheatre.com. gET TogETHER Looking for networking opportunities? EQUIP South Hills is a group of professionals and small business owners. The group hosts monthly "Lunch and Learn" sessions from on the first Friday of each month from September through May at Discover Organizing on Washington Road. For information, check out www.equipsouthhills.blogspot.com. continued on page 13 Without any of these individuals, this day would not be possible. 10 mtl · october 2009