The Avon Theatre Film Center hosted their Red Carpet benefit “Avon reCreated Celebrates!” on the Rooftop at The Village in Stamford, CT. Avon Founders, Deborah and Chuck Royce were honored for their commitment to the Avon. Philanthropists, historic preservationists, and passionate film buffs, the Royces saved the Avon in 2000, which had been shuttered for several years. After undertaking major renovations, they re-opened the cinema in 2004 as the non-profit Avon Theatre Film Center, dedicated to showing the best new independent films, documentaries, foreign films, and cult classics. After leading the Avon for twenty years, the Royces have passed the baton to new leadership, Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz.

The Royces continue to be angels to the Avon and its mission. They have generously donated the building and land to the non-profit Avon Theatre and pledged $1 million towards the Avon Recreated Capital Campaign that will bring the cinema into the 21st Century. Susan Culllman and Arthur Selkowitz presented the Royces with the Avon Award for their Support of the Arts and commitment to the Avon’s role as an important cultural hub in the metro-Stamford area. They also announced that the theatre will be renamed Avon Theatre – Deborah and Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center.

Patricia and John Chadwick, Lily Downing and David Yudain, Thomas L. Rich and Suzanne Van Nostrand co-chaired the benefit. Reckson was the Presenting Sponsor. Exit 5 musicians Laura Kaehler, John Motay and their bandmates entertained the partygoers. All proceeds from the benefit will support the theater’s programming, operations, and annual Avon Awards College Scholarship Fund.

The Avon Theatre opened in 1939 at 272 Bedford Street in Downtown Stamford. Today, the Avon, a community supported non-profit, is one of the few remaining independent cinemas in the U.S. Thanks to over 2,500 members and many donors, this beloved cinema remains a thriving artistic center.