Boynton Lions fundraiser captures the spirit of classic Christmas films at the Ringo Theater
The Boynton Lions Club and the Ringgold Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the event on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at the Ringgold Depot.
The Lions Club and CVB are bringing back last year’s successful event encouraging Catoosans to spend an evening enjoying a meal, shopping, and taking in a classic Christmas film at the Ringo Theater,” said Rhonda Johnson, Main Street Manager, “Our classic theater venue now lives in the historic surroundings of the Ringgold Depot.”
The first of two separate showings include the classic Christmas animation with Ice Age A Mammoth Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas at 6 p.m.
The 2011 animated short Ice Age A Mammoth Christmas features the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary. In the story, Sid, Eddie and Crash get in trouble with Santa and have to get their names off of the naughty list.
In the 1966 Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas includes the voices of Boris Karloff, Thurl Ravenscroft, and June Foray. The grinch plots to foil the happiness of the Whos of Whoville by stealing Christmas in this Dr. Suess tale. Boynton Lions Club president Richmond Blackwell said the club decided to focus one of the showings on the child in all of us.
“Folks told us how much they enjoyed the cartoons, so we wanted to share some favorite cartoon shorts that all ages would enjoy,” he said.
The second film showing is The Bishop’s Wife at 8 p.m.
The 1947 Academy Award winning film stars Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven and follows and angel who helps a bishop with his problems. Bishop Henry Brougham played by Niven, troubled with funding the building of a new cathedral prays for divine guidance. His plea is seemingly answered by a suave angel named Dudley (Grant), who reveals his identity only to the clergyman.
Boynton Lions Vision committee chair Johnny Long said the club could only do what it does with the public’s help.
“The gift of sight means so much and for about $100, thanks to our local optometrist partner we can help someone see well again,” he said. “The money we raise will help us do this and so much more in our various service projects around Catoosa.”
A Ringo Theater Christmas helps reach that goal through its event partners including Blackwell Automotive, Boynton United Methodist Church, FirstBank of Ringgold, Hamilton Glass Co. of Dalton, Lisa’s Gold and Diamonds of Fort Oglethorpe, Dr. Denise Q. Shepard - Optometrist and Ryan Stinson Music, he said.
“We were hoping to have even more partners step forward to make a difference in Catoosa by the event,” Blackwell said. “There is still time to help by being a partner whether you have a business or are an individual. There will be an opportunity for attendees to donate to the cause at both events that evening as well as a place to donate your old glasses to be also be reused.”
The event is free but both showings are ticketed separately since seats are limited but donations are welcome. Tickets will be made available at the door while they last. Movie concessions will also be available.
“I know during the holidays many things have our focus,” Lions treasurer Randall Franks said. “I hope you will consider that we have people in need right here in Catoosa County who need one basic element which can help them improve their lives and that of their families by just being able to read more clearly, drive more safely, and enjoy what is around them with greater clarity. We can change one person’s life. Help us give the gift of sight and support all our service in the community.”
To become an event partner, which is shared with attendees, e-mail Randall Franks at rfrankscatoosa@gmail.com or for ticket information call Main Street Manager Rhonda Johnson at 706-9353061.