The Mary Hawley Society is launching an Adopt-A-Chair campaign to raise funds for the installation of 150 seats in the Edmond Town Hall’s historic theater balcony. Adoption is $150 per chair until all 150 chairs are gone. Along with personalized plaques for the adopters are discounts from local businesses that support the effort

Queen Street Gifts & Treats, and My Place, Filet, The Hook, and Tambascio’s restaurants have partnered to provide donors with an adoption card good for one year of special discounts at those locations.

“I’m all about community and I love that theater. I love what they do and the fact that it’s in our town. I know it’s hard to maintain, but we’re lucky to have it,” said John Tambascio.

“Adopters can buy a chair or buy a whole row and can dedicate their chairs with a plaque,” said Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers member Mary Fellows. The Mary Hawley Society will collect all contributions, which are tax deductible, she said. Endow a chair with a family name or remember a loved one through the balcony chair campaign.

Plaques will be placed in front of each adopted chair. In addition to replacing the seats, the campaign will make it possible to replace the balcony’s safety guard, made of brass bars, with one that’s made of glass, eliminating visual barriers for balcony audiences.

The theater’s balcony until recently had its original 85-year-old seats. Restoring them was possible, but expensive. An opportunity to acquire some new seats presented itself, which the board chose to pursue.

To adopt a seat or for additional information, call the Edmond Town Hall Manager’s office at 203-270-4285 or visit edmondtownhall.org and use the “donate” button.

The Edmond Town Hall, dedicated in 1930 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was a gift from Newtown benefactress Mary Elizabeth Hawley. It has served as the heart of Newtown since its inception by providing residents and neighbors with governmental services space; affordable family entertainment through its theater; sports opportunities in its gymnasium; and, elegant space rentals for meetings, fundraisers, civic gatherings, weddings, and other celebrations.

The building’s elegant proscenium theater serves as a venue for live musical and drama performances and popular movie showings. The Board of Managers, a group of six publicly elected officials, is responsible for the care and maintenance of the iconic building.