Chillicothe continues to amaze me. As an Optimist member and Town Theatre board member, last month I was able to see their combined efforts award a total of $12,300 to 13 different youth partners that support the Town Theatre and serve over 4,000 youth in our community and surrounding towns. We have some amazing organizations in Chillicothe that offer education, fun activities, and sometimes some much-needed emotional or nutritional support to our youth. 

When the Optimist Club of Chillicothe purchased the theatre back in 2009, the intention was to take all the profits from its operation to further ensure larger donations back to our LOCAL youth organizations. Since then, the Optimist Club/Town Theatre has been able to donate thousands of dollars to the area youth organizations from these proceeds—less operating expenses—raised from this unique old theatre. Where else in America do you hear of a movie theatre giving back to the community?

But times have changed and fewer people are going out to the movies. With the increase in operating costs, frequent maintenance of older equipment, and repair of a historic old building, the Town Theatre needs you to come out to the movies! What a great place to connect with others, enjoy some hot movie popcorn, and enjoy a great movie all the while helping the youth in our hometown.

Also, please remember the Town Theatre with your year-end charitable giving. If you are interested in making a charitable donation, please make your check payable to: Optimist International Foundation. Please put in the memo it’s for “Town Theatre Kids Count” and mail it to P.O. Box 72, Chillicothe, IL 61523. You will receive a receipt from the International Optimist Foundation that you can use for your taxes

For the Community — About the Community By the Community.

Ginny Molleck, 
Editor of Chillicothe Hometown Voice