California-Nevada theater owners announce grants and scholarships for 2023

The National Association of Theater Owners California Nevada has awarded $510,000 in grants to support a variety of arts and social service organizations, along with $315,000 in scholarships for movie theater employees.

The trade organization represents more than 5,000 movie theater screens located in the two states and works on behalf of exhibitors to address local, state and federal issues designed to improve the motion picture industry.

The 2023 community grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Recipients include Californians for the Arts, Fresh Lifeline for Youth, Fullfilment Fund, Jacob’s Hearts, Lollipop Theater Network, Roybal Magnet High School, Side By Side, Union Rescue Mission, Variety Boys & Girls Club, and Vidiots Foundation.

The $315,000 in scholarships will be awarded to movie theater employees or their family members enrolled in an accredited academic institution of higher learning and pursuing a bachelor’s or advanced degree. A total of 75 theater employees received funding to begin or continue their education. NATO’s educational partner, The Fulfillment Fund, will administer the awards.

In addition, the organization is renewing its commitment to a $100,000 scholarship to Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts through The Hollywood ReporterWomen In Entertainment Mentoring Program by .

“Theater owners in California and Nevada are grateful to the filmmakers who support the cinematic experience,” said NATO California Nevada president-CEO. “To celebrate movie-going now and for generations to come, it’s important to invest in our employees, aspiring filmmakers, and the people who live and work in our communities.”

Between university scholarships and financial support for community organizations, NATO California Nevada has distributed more than $8 million to charities.

In a twin announcement, NATO California Nevada also revealed its 2023-2025 board of directors: Raymond W. Syufy, West Wind Drive-ins, president and CEO; Todd Vradenburg, vice president; David Corwin, Metropolitan Theaters, treasurer; Frank Rimkus, Galaxy Theaters, secretary; Lyndon Golin, Regency Theaters, chairman emeritus; Jerry Forman, Retired (Pacific Theaters); Bruce Coleman, Brenden Theatre, John Curry, Regal; Scott Falkenhain, AMC Theaters, Paul Gunsky, CineLux Theaters; Terri Moore; international reading; Luis Olloqui, Cinépolis USA; Neil Pearlmutter, Cinema Santa Rosa; Damon Rubio, D’Place Entertainment; Francisco Schlotterbeck, Maya Cinemas, Kathleen Spina, Cinemark USA.