The Rio Theatre, one of the only remaining independently owned and operated theatres in Vancouver – and a beacon of culture and community – is undoubtedly beloved. Maybe its because they've been serving real butter on their popcorn since 1938, or maybe it's because its stage has welcomed musicians like José González and Chad VanGaalen, roving comedians and ripping burlesquers, and the best cult classic costumes in the city.
But having a concession well-stocked with beer and a film roster that makes memory lane look appealing on Friday nights hasn't always spelled security.
In 2012, the Rio was at the centre of a highly publicized battle against the BC liquor board over provincial liquor laws that banned movies at the Rio once it received a liquor license for live events. After four months of back-and-forth that nearly put The Rio out of business, owner Corinne Lea and her supporters managed to modernize BC liquor laws for movie lovers all over the province.
But that fight took its toll.
"Business has been great," writes Lea in the Rio's newly-launched Indiegogo campaign, "but 2012 left us with a heavy burden of debt that we are still struggling to dig ourselves out of. The biggest and most obvious example of our financial struggle? Look up. Way up."
The Rio's iconic neon sign has dwindled to just a few bulbs, leaving their corner of Commercial Drive dark and vaguely derelict.
"We need community support to light up The Rio's sign for Christmas," she continues. "Together, we can brighten up one of East Vancouver's busiest hubs by restoring the historic anchor of Commercial Drive. A brightly lit sign would also attract more customers, and help improve our independent business"
According to Lea, the Rio needs $15,000 to "restore the sign to its original glory" and convert to environmentally friendly and efficient LED lights. The breakdown of the budget lists $10,000 to repair and restore the existing sign and replace it with LED lights, a new transformer, plus cleaning of the sign and awning, $3,000 to service all the neon components, and 10 per cent for fees and taxes that will come off the total amount raised.
Lea adds helpfully that all it would take is 500 people donating $30 per bulb to achieve their goal.
As with all crowdfunded campaigns, supporters receive perks for their donations, including Rio passes (good for any Rio-produced event), passes for any event hosted at the Rio, t-shirts, VIP guest list treatment, private screenings (one of these has already been claimed by a big movie buff for $1,000), plus six months of big screen ads for businesses.
It has been set up as a fixed campaign, so the theatre needs to raise the entire $15,000 or it is deemed unsuccessful and all the money gets returned to the supporters. At press time, the theatre had hit $6,180 in contributions with 19 days to go.
To support the Rio, visit their fundraising page.
