August 23–19, 2026 @ Bonnie Kate Theater
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — The Bonnie Kate Theater is putting the big screen to work for the community with the launch ofMovies with a Mission, a series of special film fundraisers benefiting three local organizations.
The three local nonprofit organizations benefiting from the movies include the Elizabethton Senior Center, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elizabethton/Carter Countyand the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter. All three lost funding as a result of Carter County Commission budget cuts.
The series begins Sunday, Aug.23, at 2 p.m. with "Singin’ in the Rain," benefiting the Elizabethton Senior Center.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, the Bonnie Kate hosts two family screenings benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elizabethton/Carter County: "The Incredibles" at 2 p.m. and "The Iron Giant" at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, "Balto" screens at 2 p.m. to benefit the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter.
“This is exactly the kind of role we want the Bonnie Kate to play in our community,” said Thomas Townsend, director of marketing and audience development. “People can come here, enjoy a great movie together and, at the same time, help organizations doing important work right here at home.”
The Bonnie Kate is seeking local and regional businesses, organizations and individuals to help sponsor the screenings and underwrite event costs. The goal is to have those expenses covered through sponsorships so that 100 percent of ticket revenue can go to the organization being supported.
The theater is also seeking Matching Impact Sponsors willing to match ticket sales dollar for dollar for an individual fundraiser or the entire series.
“A matching sponsor gives us a wonderfully simple message,” Townsend said. “Buy a ticket, support a local organizationand your impact can be doubled.”
Representatives from each participating organization areinvited to take part in their events, meet moviegoers and share information about their programs, volunteer opportunities and other ways the community can help.
Elizabethton Senior Center Executive Director Brittany Shell called "Singin’ in the Rain" “a timeless classic” and said the partnership can help raise both funds and awareness for programs serving older adults throughout Carter County. The Bonnie Kate and Senior Center are also planning a second Classic Cinema Sunday fundraiser to be announced later.
Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director Shelly Parham said Club staff are excited to participate in the Sept. 5 event and help with volunteers, promotion and community outreach.
The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter also participates in the Sept.19"Balto" fundraiser, using the event to highlight adoption, volunteering and the shelter’s work with animals throughout the community.
Category: Film, Fundraiser