Generous donor and long-time Bellingham resident, Michael Feerer, has stepped up and challenged the Pickford community. If we raise $200,000 for the Pickford on Grand expansion by the end of 2022, he will match every penny. Our community fundraising goal is $1,000,000. We have currently raised a little over $500,000 and the match could get us close to finished.
Michael is the founder of the Whatcom Million Trees Project, an environmental activist, and an involved member of the Bellingham community.
Here is what he has to say about his motivations.
“There are four reasons why I stepped forward to make this matching donation. The first one is the way the Pickford synergizes with other nonprofits. Showing more films that speak to the mission of numerous nonprofits in this community gives us all a stronger voice. The second reason is the kids. By having five theaters spaces instead of two, the Pickford will have so much more flexibility for their amazing Doc-Ed program and other programming efforts they do for kids. The third reason is because the Pickford builds community. Independent film is an important voice at the foundation of what this community is about. The fourth reason is personal, wouldn't it be cool to have even more cream of the crop independent films available to our community by having five theaters Instead of two?”
This is what the Pickford on Grand project is all about.
A New Landmark within the Bellingham Arts District, a second theater, at 105 Grand Avenue, just around the corner from our Bay Street Location. Here is what you can expect inside:
• Two 70-seat auditoriums with 4k projection
• One jewel-box cinema with 20 seats for intimate screens and educational events
• More repertory films, niche programming, festivals and series
• More people on the streets supporting downtown
• More educational opportunities
• More financial security for one of Whatcom’s best-loved cultural organizations
• More connections with local non-profits, providing a platform to amplify their message
Founded in 1998, the Pickford Film Center serves the Whatcom community by screening independent films 365 days a year, producing and presenting the annual Doctober film festival, the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival, numerous film series and special events. The Pickford offers free documentary film showings to all Whatcom middle schools through Doc-ED and partners with students and schools for many other events during the year.
