The Ritz Theatre provided over half a century of culture, entertainment and pleasuretothe community. Today it sits on the threshold of once again becoming a center for the cultural activities of Winter Haven. Where do we go from here? In the new millennium, Winter Haven can expect continued population growth, a greater demand for civic, social, cultural and arts activities and a diversified economic base.

The need for the restoration of the Ritz grows.

The Ritz Theatre 100 is responding to this growth and the resulting demand for social and cultural activities with a community campaign to raise the funds to meet the challenge of an increasing need for venues for civic, social, arts and cultural activities.

Restoration projects already completed have been funded from the Ritz Theatre 100, a grant by the State of Florida Division of Historical Resources, and a grant by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But this is only the beginning. The Ritz was awarded a State of Florida Division of Historical Resources Category Grant for $249,000 in the 1999 budget.

In order to complete the restoration of our theatre, it is imperative that private investments underwrite a larger portion of the costs. Increasing our local fund raising will enhance our opportunity to receive further and more significant funding from the Florida Historic Preservation Board grants.

Private dollars will make the difference!