Sean C. Morgan
The Sweet Home High School stage committee will need to raise more than $75,000 to meet its goal of repairing and improving the stage and auditorium.
Ron Sharrah, representing the Elks Lodge, said he received bids for a new lighting system, new curtains and a new sound system.
The bid for lights was $33,850, he said. Curtains will cost $23,540, and sound will cost $17,667, a total of more than $75,000. Based on whether the project becomes a prevailing wage job, the cost could increase by more than $5,000.
The bids are good for 30 days, Sharrah said, so when the committee is ready to pay for these three projects, the cost could go higher.
The bids do not include electrical work, and band teacher Pat Johnson has a bid for resurfacing the stage for about $3,800. Sheet rock, plaster and cold joints also need repair.
The price tag could get closer to $100,000 for the overall project, Sharrah said.
Some of the repair work can begin fairly quickly, before replacing sound, lighting and curtains, Sharrah said.
The committee is looking for opportunities to cut costs, such as finding donated materials, discounted materials and volunteers.
“We can save money by doing some of the demolition work ourselves,” Sharrah said.
The high school wood shop might be able to do some work, for example, Sharrah said, and the committee would like to see students and families stepping up to help out on the project.
Jacqeline Ohmer, a high school student, thinks students would be happy to help out, especially in fund-raising efforts.
“It’s really nice to even have this opportunity,” she said. As a freshman, she hasn’t seen many people caring about the auditorium.
The stage and auditorium have a number of problems. The stage is well worn, with nicks, scratches and gouges across the surface. The walls have holes and need paint. The curtains, except for the front curtain, are old and stained.
“The stage gives you splinters,” Ohmer said.
The committee is working to come up with fund-raising events and projects.
Ideas include a wine-tasting – something like the Boys and Girls Club does, or perhaps an auction, said Shirley Austin, an Elks member. Also under consideration are music events, battle of the bands and local talent, hosted in the auditorium where spectators can actually see the condition of the auditorium and stage.
“We have a platform for fund-raising that’s just amazing,” Sharrah said about the Elks, which has grant funds available for community projects. More importantly, the Elks will provide a nonprofit clearinghouse for donated funds. The Elks can hold donated funds, providing accountability and protecting the funds, and donations to the project through the Elks Lodge are tax-deductible.
The committee includes members representing the Singing Christmas Tree, the high school performing arts departments, students, the Elks Lodge and more.
The committee will meet again at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, in the high school auditorium, and all are invited to attend.
“We’re trying to involve the community as much as possible,” Sharrah said.