What Happens Next with the Novato Theater Campaign?

Volunteers with the Novato Screen Savers, the nonprofit that is working to renovate and reopen the long-closed Novato Theater on Grant Avenue in Novato, were reeling Tuesday when it was learned that the project's executive director, Bernice Baeza, .

June Haugen, one of the original volunteers who stepped forward to work with Baeza two years ago, assured that the nonprofit's core group would carry the flag.

"With the solid groundwork in place, we will continue to carry out the goal we set together to bring a film, performing arts and live music venue to revitalize historic downtown Novato," she wrote in a release. "And of course, continued community support will be vital to reach this goal." 

Along with the capital campaign to raise at least $1.5 million more to open the theater, the nonprofit is planning community fundraising events, including a second annual Summer Music Festival on Aug. 26 at Hamilton Amphitheater. Highlights of the first event on the Novato City Green can be seen .

The committee released three questions with accompanying answers about the future of the theater renovation.

Q: With the recent passing of Bernice Baeza, who within the current organization will be filling the executive director role?

A: The project currently has a working board that will continue leading the fundraising effort. They will begin a search process to fill the executive director position with a qualified candidate who ideally understands the uniqueness of the Novato community and has the knowledge and passion to revitalize the downtown area with a vibrant community driven theater.

Q: What will happen to all the money the nonprofit has raised to date?

A: All donated funds are secure in our Circle Bank account.  As has been the case to date, no significant donated funds will be disbursed until we have reached the halfway fundraising mark of approximately $1.5 million. At that point, the nonprofit will engage an architect to begin the design process. By that time, we fully expect to have a new executive director in place.

Q: Will this situation delay the opening of the rebuilt theater?

A: The actual timeline for the project will depend largely on how quickly funds are raised by the community.  The current target date remains the summer of 2014.