Avon reCreated Celebrates and Honors Founders Deborah and Chuck Royce

    STAMFORD, CT, August 23, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- On Thursday, September 14, 6:30 p.m., The Avon Theatre Film Center will host Avon reCreated Celebrates and Honors Founders Deborah and Chuck Royce. This festive benefit event at The Village Roof Top in Stamford, CT will honor the years of generosity and continued commitment to the historic Avon Theatre from outgoing Board Chairs Deborah and Chuck Royce, as the Avon toasts the new Co-Chairs of the Avon's Board of Directors, Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz.

"We are seeing an enormous outpouring of support for the Avon as we honor our founders, Deborah and Chuck Royce, and ramp up for our capital campaign, Avon reCreated." said Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz, Co-Chairs of the Avon Board of Directors. "We look forward to preserving yet reimagining the Avon for the 21st century. People love the Avon and want to see it not only survive but also thrive".

Founders Deborah and Chuck Royce shared their own thoughts on the change. "With our donation of the Avon's landmark building and land to this nonprofit organization, and with Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz stepping up as the Avon Theatre Film Center's new Board Co-Chairs, we're confident that we've secured the future of this beloved local institution. They add, "The Avon has been a passion project of ours, and we will continue to be involved with the theatre. The event on September 14th will celebrate the next chapter of the Avon ahead of its 20th Anniversary next year. How time flies! We invite the Avon's many friends and supporters to join us at this milestone celebration."

Guests will dance under the stars with views of the Long Island Sound to music by EXIT 5—featuring Laura Kaehler, John Motay and bandmates—and enjoy signature cocktails, gourmet hors d'oeuvres and food stations, as well as live and silent auctions full of fabulous lots available for bidding. Co-chairs for the party are Patricia and John Chadwick, Suzanne Van Nostrand and Thomas L. Rich, and Lily deJongh Downing and David Yudain. Proceeds from the event will support the general operations and enable the member-supported, non-profit theatre to continue offering the best new independent films, documentaries, foreign films & cult classics.

Thomas L. Rich, co-chair of the celebration and a Stamford-based real estate developer and philanthropist, said: "The purchase of the Avon Theatre by Deborah and Chuck Royce was one of the best movie plots to unfold in it's almost century long existence. Under their direction and immense financial contributions over the last two decades, it has become a revered cultural gem not only for Stamford residents but also for residents of cities throughout Fairfield and Westchester County as well. The celebration planned for September 14 to honor the Royces for their contribution to the downtown Stamford cultural landscape is a deserved tribute and deserves our widespread collective support, and will no doubt be a memorable evening."

For more information and to purchase tickets to attend the Avon's annual signature fundraising event, please visit: https://avontheatre.org/avon-celebrates/ or contact Louisa Greene, Avon Director of Development at 203-550-2697 or [email protected].

The Avon Theatre Film Center is an iconic historic cinema located at 272 Bedford Street in Downtown Stamford since 1939. Philanthropists, historic preservationists, and passionate film buffs, Deborah and Chuck Royce saved the Avon in 1999. Since re-opening in 2004 as a non-profit, community supported independent cinema, the Avon has become known for its many partnerships with local non-profits to present films and Q&A discussions with filmmakers and celebrities on critical issues of the day. The Avon celebrates the art of cinema that entertains, inspires, and educates the community. The Royces continue to be angels to the Avon and its mission.

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