Kira Hays
Co-editor-in-chief
As the Corpus Christi Ride-In Theater pushes through its third year, the organization is reaching out to fans to help it stay alive.
Since November, the RIT has struggled to make ends meet because of canceled movie screenings or low attendance related to unexpected rain or cold weather.
So now, the group is calling on all of its loyal RIT lovers to lend a helping hand.
From 5:30-7 p.m. May 13, the RIT will host a Greenlight Party fundraiser at the House of Rock.
Movie titles for the upcoming months will be featured and it’s your job to vote on the ones you want to see on the big screen.
A donation of $5 is asked for at the door. With that donation, you will receive one vote for the movie of your choice and a spot in the trivia game.
An assortment of prizes including two memberships to the Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi Hooks tickets and an autographed Hooks jersey, four tickets to the Ortiz Center Freedom Fest and more are all up for grabs.
The $5 entry fee will go toward helping the group become a nonprofit organization.
As its Facebook event page says: “We are on the verge of extinction! … it’s time for YOU to decide which movies play.”
Lexi Buquet, one of the founders for the RIT, said: “For over three years of simply ‘passing the jug’ during the movies, the Ride-In Theater has barely gotten by each month with the help of its passionate fans and a few loyal sponsors; but, unfortunately, that’s not enough. We want to secure a movie every month for 2015-2016 to continue bringing this unique and FREE movie experience to Corpus Christi.”
The monthly screenings cost the RIT between $800 and $900, a fairly large sum to raise for a free event.
That fee covers the cost of the movie rights, which vary per movie, equipment rental and restrooms.
Donations of $20 or more will receive special recognition at the movie of your choice. Donations of $50 or more will receive special recognition at the movie of your choice and two seats in the Ride-In Lounge.
All proceeds donated at the fundraiser will help ensure that the RIT can continue to provide free outdoor movie screenings to the public once a month.
