THE FOLLOWING IS A T-MOBILE RELEASE
Today, T-Mobile announces Hoopeston as one of its latest 25 Hometown Grant recipients. The $40,667 grant will go toward completing the Lorraine Theatre restoration project by purchasing the last of equipment needed to bring back “First Run” movie screenings, providing a variety of affordable entertainment to a community that couldn’t experience otherwise.
The project was submitted by Save the Lorraine Foundation, an organization aimed to preserve and renovate the over 100-year-old historic theatre.
“The Lorraine Foundation was formed by a group of citizens simply wanting to preserve our local landmark, the Lorraine Theatre,” said Alex Houmes, President of the Lorraine Foundation. “After 12+ years of fundraising and renovations, this gift from T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant allows us to cross the finished line. The much anticipate return of “First Run” movie screenings will be an experience worthy of the Lorraine’s reputation for sound and picture quality. Mixing its historic atmosphere and today’s latest technology, the Lorraine Theatre will once again be The Best Place for Movies.”
Through Hometown Grants, people in communities nationwide are kickstarting projects that make a real difference and help their towns thrive. Since launching its five-year commitment to small towns in April 2021, T-Mobile has awarded a whopping 325 communities across 47 states and over $14 million in funding.
The impact doesn’t stop there. To date, Hometown Grants has created more than 86,000 volunteer hours and provided more than $3 million in funding toward small business projects like revitalizing farmers markets, launching business incubators and improving main streets. To date, Hometown Grants has provided over $500,000 in funding to 13 towns across Illinois.
Each quarter, T-Mobile awards 25 Hometown Grants to small towns with populations of 50,000 or less. To apply for a Hometown Grant, visit here. To learn more about this quarter’s recipients, visit our newsroom.
