The Rustic Theatre in Idyllwild was one of 28 area theaters, stages and event venues to receive nearly $19 million in funding recently, according to Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-36). The recipients all are within District 36.
The federal American Rescue Plan’s Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program provides funds to help sustain local economy, boost tourism and retain jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
GraSar Productions Inc., doing business as The Rustic Theatre and Entertainment Center, received $82,596.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUTHERLANDS
Owners Graham and Gail Sutherland said, “We are most grateful to the SBA (Small Business Administration) for facilitating this much needed Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program (SVOG) and NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners) for their incredible support during this long process. These much-needed funds will help to recoup the loss of income and help thousands of theatres across the country to continue to operate.
“We would like to thank our local community for their continued support of The Rustic Theatre and our future endeavors. We are blessed to be a part of this amazing community.”
“The American Rescue Plan’s expanded Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program is a lifeline for our local theaters and stages, and I will continue working to help support our local small business owners through the pandemic and beyond,” said Ruiz.
“In June, Ruiz sent a letter to the Small Business Administration on behalf of local theatre operators calling for the SBA to expedite the disbursement of SVOG funds following repeated delays in the roll-out of the program,” according to a press release from his office.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SUTHERLANDS
“I remain committed to helping my constituents any way I can. If you need assistance, please reach out to my office at (760) 424-8888. We are here to serve you,” said Ruiz.
The program contributed grants to numerous venues throughout the United States.
