Avon Theatre Launches $50K Match Education Fund

The Avon Theatre - Deborah & Chuck Cinema Arts Center in Stamford, Connecticut, has announced the creation of the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund, a new initiative aimed at expanding the nonprofit theater's educational mission and providing opportunities for the next generation to experience film's transformative power. Longtime Avon supporter and former Director of Development Louisa S. Greene has committed a generous $50,000 matching gift to launch the Fund. This means that all gifts to the Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, effectively doubling the impact of community support. The Fund will support educational opportunities for students, young filmmakers, educators, and community members to discover, study, discuss, and create films. As the Avon prepares for its newly reimagined theater, education will play an increasingly important role in the organization's mission and programming.

Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of the Avon Theatre, praised Greene's commitment, stating, "Louisa's extraordinary commitment to the Avon and her belief in film education have made this vision possible. The Louisa S. Greene Education Fund will help us build on that generosity and develop meaningful educational experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the art of film." The establishment of the Fund comes at a transformational moment for the Avon, which is currently undergoing its Avon reCreated renovation and expansion. This project will transform the historic venue into the Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center, offering expanded opportunities for educational, cultural, and community programming when it reopens in Fall 2027. To contribute to the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund and have your donation matched, visit the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund page.

The Avon Theatre is a member-supported, nonprofit independent cinema dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of independent, foreign, classic, documentary, and educational films. Since 1939, it has been a cultural cornerstone in downtown Stamford, inspiring audiences through the power of cinema and fostering meaningful dialogue. While the theater undergoes its transformative renovation, the Avon continues to fulfill its mission through Avon on Tour, which brings films, discussions, and educational programs to venues throughout Stamford and the surrounding communities, including Ferguson Library, The Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Mill River Park, Stamford Town Center, and other partner locations. For more information about the Avon Theatre, Avon on Tour programming, membership opportunities, and educational initiatives, visit www.avontheatre.org.