The Challenge is to match a donor’s $100,000 gift. All proceeds raised are for additional funding to our existing endowment to allow the Grand to hire valuable and necessary staff as we continue to grow. Our founder and President, Bill Cull, who you may know from announcing the shows, greeting patrons and working concessions, has given all his time free of charge. Bill plans to materially reduce his role by 2026, and we need staff to assume his duties which include, among other things, researching and booking acts, securing funding through grants and donations, meeting with local and state leaders regarding our economic impact, coordinating with local schools and non-profits to provide access to our offerings, and overseeing the day-to-day operations.

Tom Hampton was and will always be our beloved Board Member. Tom spent countless hours volunteering not only as a board member for 14 years, overseeing the growth of the Grand, but as most often, a friendly face behind the concession area. Tom’s unknown passion at the Grand was that the ‘popcorn’ be fresh and perfectly seasoned. He was the driving force of ‘popcorn’ upgrades and improvements! We teased him about his constant drive for customer satisfaction, but in his right, he made selling concessions fun, and a means to provide great service to all our patrons. He will truly be missed and we at the Grand are collecting donations in honor of his support for the Grand.

“Stories from the Balcony” is a documentary film that explores the history of segregation at the Grand Theatre. “Stories” as told through the memories of people who attended movies during segregation with a new generation looking at this story of history with fresh perspective.

Franklin County Community Fund is offering a Challenge Grant to match up to $2500. Please help us fund this important documentary of both the Grand and Frankfort.