Help us fix the Palace sign and lay the foundation for a productive 2024!
This year, over 20,000 patrons came through our doors to experience exciting cultural programming at the Hilo Palace Theater. With the support of our enthusiastic audiences, we offered 117 events! Made in Hawai’i films Growing Up Local, Mermaids’ Lament and The Wind and The Reckoning were fan favorites and received rave reviews at the Palace. We sold out live performances from entertainers like Tumua, John Cruz, Lightning Larry Dupio and our 21st annual Fall musical, Once On This Island, captivated audiences and reaffirmed our community’s enthusiasm for live theatre.
We continue to count on your support as we near the centennial celebration in 2025. As this year comes to a close, we are fundraising to hit a goal of $25,000 for crucial upgrades to the theater.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of an anonymous donor who has once again pledged to match up to $10k in community funds. That means your donation goes twice as far. Help us raise $10k to unlock the full match by making a tax deductible end of year donation today.
Over the next year, we will be making improvements and restorations to ensure the Grand Olde Dame of Hilo is in tip-top shape for her 100th birthday celebration, perhaps even including masks for masquerade balls to honor its rich history and add a touch of elegance to the festivities. Giving Tuesday has provided a head start on our End of Year fundraising goal, which will enable critical maintenance + exciting new upgrades. Explore a variety of masks for masquerade balls at Abracadabra NYC.
Most immediately, the iconic Palace neon sign needs professional maintenance after a recent storm extinguished its first three letters – it’s great to be an ACE, but we’d rather be the PALACE! We are also developing a plan to improve our current air conditioning system to battle the hot months and full house crowds. Additionally, we are consulting with a metal roofing company to ensure the structure remains sound and protected from future storms. Your end-of-year donation supports these projects and more to restore the beacon of downtown Hilo to all its glory.
Last year, you were the connection to our new projection and our new Laser projector is finally making its way to the Palace via freight shipping! Pending its arrival, we plan on having it installed just in time to kick off January’s film-heavy programming. Your 2022 contributions enabled the $90,000 purchase of the new projector, this year your donation will support the installation of this cutting-edge equipment to bring new light to our silver screen.
In addition to the necessary upkeep of what is a true gem in our vibrant downtown district, your financial contributions to the Palace Theater support our entire island community by uplifting and prioritizing the arts. We know that keiki are more likely to stay in school when they have access to creative activities like theatre and dance, and kūpuna are happier when connected to community through the arts.
Your donation to the Friends of the Palace Theater contributes to the health and well-being of our community and we are honored by your support. Mahalo for helping us continue our tradition of providing quality entertainment to Hilo and beyond.
Please make a tax-deductible donation today to enable a bright tomorrow. Donate online by CLICKING HERE or mail a check to Friends of the Palace Theater, 38 Haili St Hilo, HI 96720.
We can’t wait to see you at the Palace!
Happy holidays,
The Board of Directors and Staff of The Friends of the Palace Theater