https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/screens/2019-08-07/alamo-drafthouse-launches-el-paso-and-dayton-fundraisers/

Alamo Drafthouse Launches El Paso and Dayton Fundraisers

By Richard Whittaker, August 7, 2019, 10:00am, Picture in Picture

Last weekend's horrifying mass murders in Dayton and El Paso have shocked the nation, and left many survivors, and the dependents of victims, in dire straits. Today, the Alamo Drafthouse is joining the fundraising effort, with a new giving program designed to let audiences assist those in need as they buy tickets.

They will be working with two fundraising organizations. El Paso-based nonprofit funding clearinghouse the Paso del Norte Community Foundation has launched the El Paso Victims Fund. In Dayton, the Dayton Foundation has launched its own initiative, the Dayton Oregon District Tragedy Fund. As part of a fundraising push for both communities, the Alamo Drafthouse is adding a new feature where all ticket buyers can add a donation to the funds with their purchase.

Giving is simple: Through Aug. 26, ticket buyers at www.drafthouse.com or those using the Drafthouse app will be able to add $1, $3 or $5 to their ticket purchase, which will go directly to one of the funds. Not only that, but the company will also match the first $20,000 given through this portal.

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In a statement explaining their fundraising drive, the Texas-based cinema chain noted that the shootings struck close to home, most especially for the staff at their El Paso location in Montecillo. "We’ve got a brilliant team at Montecillo, and it was a relief to know that they’re all safe. The theater opened in 2016, and since then we’ve found El Paso to be one of the most welcoming, loving, and community-oriented cities we’ve ever encountered. It’s deeply sad that a place like that should ever have to go through something like this, but we know that the city’s indomitable spirit will give them the resilience and strength they need to persevere."

The Drafthouse is also encouraging people to give directly to Paso del Norte Community Foundation and Dayton Foundation, or to any of the other charities supporting the cities at this terrible time.