The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF) an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), has announced that it helped secure more than $720,000 in Local Share Account-Statewide grant funding for three local entities.
GBDF helped secure $373,500, on behalf of the Northeast Berks Main Street Foundation (d/b/a Kutztown Community Partnership), for the continued renovations of the historic Strand Theatre in Kutztown. This grant follows the $450,000 GBDF was awarded in 2023 for the first phase of renovations.
“This grant will enable us to complete critical life-safety improvements and bathroom renovations at the Strand Theatre. These updates are essential to ensuring the safety of our guests and paving the way for the theater’s exciting return to cinema screenings and the introduction of live performances,” said Ellen Overcast, Board President of the Kutztown Community Partnership.
Additionally, GBDF received $250,000, on behalf of the Reading Hospital Foundation, to install an electrophysiology lab.
“We are so thankful to the Greater Berks Development Fund for their support of our new Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab through the Local Share Account Grant. This vital new lab in the Miller Heart Center will allow continued cutting edge cardiac care to be provided to our patients,” said Dr. Charles Barbera, MD, MBA, MPH, FACEP, President and Chief Executive Officer of Reading Hospital.
And finally, GBDF obtained $98,287, on behalf of the Hamburg Strand Theater, to complete much-needed renovations.
“Thank you to the Greater Berks Development Fund for applying for the LSA grant on behalf of the Our Town Foundation and the Hamburg Strand Theater. Receiving this grant will enable the Hamburg Strand Theater to purchase and install new flooring and seating in our historic theater, which was originally opened in 1921. The current seats are over 30 years old and the original wood floor is lifting and beyond repair. These improvements will ensure the Strand will remain a vital community asset and economic driver for Hamburg,” said Deena Kershner, Executive Director of Our Town Foundation.
GBDF is the only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) in Berks County and is able to facilitate applications for LSA funding, as well as other Department of Community and Economic Development programs.
“We are thrilled that these three projects received the necessary funding to complete these important projects in our local community. GBDF will continue to advocate for funding for organizations that add to the economic vitality of our community,” said Debra Millman, GBDF President.