They plan to operate as a nonprofit corporation with a six-member board of directors and four employees. Net profits will benefit local youth serving organizations including the Optimist Club, little league sports and Boy and Girl Scouts.
The theater was sold to the Optimist Club for $200,000. A local realtor waived commissions on the sale in order to save the club money and with a down payment of $20,000 the club was in the entertainment business. The mayor was a bit reserved at a service organization holding such a major interest in the downtown core, but has warmed to the idea with the plans for renovation and growth.
I think this is exactly what an Optimist Club is supposed to do for their community. Congratulations to the Optimist Club for being part of the economic development efforts in Chillicothe, Illinois.
