The Hiland Theatre in Albuquerque received a $1 million donation from a foundation to help restore the historic theater along Central Avenue (aka Route 66), according to the Albuquerque Journal.
The gift came from the Sydney & Andrew Davis Foundation. With that, the National Dance Institute of New Mexico has received $10.5 million of the $13 million needed to renovate the building, the newspaper said.
The first phase of construction is already complete, and 350 to 400 children now use five dance studios at the site after school and on Saturdays. The initial work included office space, locker rooms and restrooms.
The second phase – work is under way now – includes renovating the main theater space. […]
The National Dance Institute, a nonprofit group, says its work helps students learn about nutrition, fitness and good school habits.
Andrew Davis was moved to see children from diverse backgrounds perform together through the dance programs. According to the New Mexico Business Weekly:
He urged attendees to experience the emotion of seeing 500 children from all kinds of backgrounds dancing at an NDI event.
“They’re happy and doing something as a unit, a team,” he said. “After you [see] this, you won’t just want to be a donor, you’ll beg to be.”
CinemaTreasures.org says the Hiland opened in 1950 and showed its final movie in 1995.
Wow there is hope for route 66 projects. With $1 million Amboy can do allot. California route 66 can use some restoration dollars.
Route 66 has been noticed by big companies recently like google they made an awesome video and Transformers movie used the route 66 pajamas. There are some credit card companies using Route 66. Look at the success of the cars movie. I was a bit disappointed in the last cars film but they seem to represent the route 66 something I’m proud of. Mr Okura owner of Amboy and Juan Pollo does allot for the route 66 and for Veterans he just had the free veterans day parade and carshow with over $10,000 cost and he gave away tons of prizes including a 60″ Tv and New bicycles for kids. Today we traveled 250 miles to Needles , Ca to join in the parade to give away his chicken dolls. I admire the things he does for people on the route 66. I know if we try hard we can get Amboy Restored soon. Charlie