The Ultimate Artcraft Sponsorship Party FAQ

Mark your calendars for February 3, 2024, and get ready to embark on a journey with the Historic Artcraft Theatre's annual sponsorship party—the theatre’s largest fundraiser held to announce the 2024–25 film and event series at the theatre.
 
This year's party theme is The Love Boat, promising a night of nautical entertainment. The Artcraft stage will be transformed into a cruise ship, complete with barnacles and seagulls. Local artists Greg Potter and Leigh Miller are creating mermaid paintings, which will be displayed throughout the theatre.
 
Before you buy your tickets to set sail for a night of fun, you may have a few questions about what the sponsorship party is. Don't worry; we have you covered! Here is a list of FAQs so you are in the know about the theatre's biggest bash of the year.
 
What is the sponsorship party for?
At its core, the sponsorship party raises money so that the Artcraft can keep ticket and concession prices low. The funds raised will go toward operating costs for the films that are shown during the following season. Each movie shown at the theatre can have many associated costs, including film licensing, production costs, equipment rental, talent fees, and more. Our sponsors support our efforts to offset expenses and keep our prices accessible.

What kind of sponsorships are there?
The central part of the evening is a silent auction for each sponsorship category available. Attendees can place their bids through online software, One Cause. Several types of sponsorships start on different levels. Weekend movies have at least seven levels of sponsorship, including the film sponsorship (starting at $700), the cartoon sponsorship (starting at $300), and the prize sponsorship (starting at $50). You can check out more about sponsorship levels here.
 
During the party, you are given opportunities to donate to the theatre’s general fund and for specific projects that FHI is working on. 
 
How can I get my name on the marquee?
You can get your name on the marquee in two ways. The first is to sponsor a film for amovie or event. You'll get your name on both sides of the marquee. The second way is to sponsor classic cartoons for a month to get your name on the front of the theatre's marquee.

What unique project are you working on raising money for this year?
 
This year, the theatre is focusing on raising money for a safety and walkway lighting upgrade inside. The upgraded lighting will help light the theatre's interior, especially the walkways, so people can see the pathway clearly when they get up in the middle of a movie. What we have is functional for its purpose, but it's time to upgrade. The theatre will also be raising money for the general fund, with the focus of the evening being the movie sponsorships.
 
Is there anything else that happens besides the auction?
The sponsorship party is an exciting event that offers much more than just the auction. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails and indulge in a fifty-foot buffet table of food in the auditorium and desserts  in our cottage. There will also be a photo booth where you can commemorate the night’s festivities and a 50/50 prize raffle during which you can raise money for the theatre and possibly win some for yourself.
 
In the past, the party has featured bands or DJs to keep the attendees entertained. The sponsorship party is an excellent opportunity to meet people with a common bond. You'll mingle with local business owners, community leaders, families, and other supporters of Franklin Heritage, Inc.’s mission.
 
One of the highlights of the sponsorship party is the movie season reveal, during which attendees get a sneak peek at the next season's tentative lineup of movies from April 2024 to February 2025. This is the only time when FHI releases the tentative schedule in its entirety.

Who hosts the sponsorship party?
Franklin Heritage, Inc. hosts the party at the Artcraft Theatre. It goes off without a hitch every year thanks to the many volunteers who put so much time and effort into transforming the theatre into an experience—helping with the evening’s decor, art, food, and organization.
 
Do I need to bring anything to the party?
All you need to bring is yourself and a smartphone or tablet to bid from.
 
This sounds like so much fun! How can I get tickets?
 
You can buy tickets for the sponsorship party here! Admission to this 21-and-over event is $45.
 
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Buy tickets and learn more about the sponsorship party at historicartcrafttheatre.org.