BY KAREN BOSSICK

A campaign to refurbish The Liberty Theatre in Hailey got a boost recently from 100 Men Who Care.

The grassroots philanthropic organization gifted the Liberty Theatre Company with $17,600 for its Relight the Liberty campaign.

The gift was in addition to $11,145 the theatre company received from 53 donors during Idaho Gives—four days of philanthropy for Idaho nonprofits held in May.

The theater company’s executive director J.D. McDonnell says the theater company has now raised $300,000 towards the $1.7 million needed to restore the theater’s roof and repair other structural deficiencies so the theater can again open its doors. In addition, they’ve raised $250,000 for operating expenses for the upcoming season, which they plan to announce on June 24.

“We’re chipping away at the total we need every day,” said Claudia McCain, the theater company’s board president.

Marty Lyon, co-founder of 100 Men Who Care, noted that the City of Hailey is significant to the Wood River Valley, given that it’s the seat of the county and that it sports the Chamber of Commerce, Campion Ice House, rodeo grounds, Blaine County School District and is the full-time population center with strong residential neighborhoods. And the Liberty Theater provides many of the valley’s cultural benefits.

“Over the years the Liberty Theater has provided community members from throughout the Wood River Valley with first-class live theater,” he said. “Members of 100 Men Who Care are committed to Relight the Liberty and being a small part of its success. We invite other members of the Wood River Valley to join in our efforts to reopen the Liberty.”

McDonnell said the theater is grateful for the $550,000 that 100 Men Who Care, organizations, businesses and individuals have given to Relight the Liberty.

“We are in firm agreement with Marty’s assessment of Hailey as an anchor community for the valley, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of professional live theatre by attaining possession of the Liberty Theatre building,” he added. “As we progress on the path of raising needed funding for building repairs, we have learned that the Liberty is a vital source for local businesses, and the hub of performing arts and culture for the Wood River Valley.”

It has until Dec. 31, 2022 to raise the necessary funds

The Liberty Theater will announce its season at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24 at the empty lot between Sturtevants and Washington Federal Bank in Hailey. That’s the former site of the Farmer’s Market.

Luke McCann and High Mountain Heard will perform, and  KB’s will have burritos available for purchase.