Rivoli Theater Restoration Coalition’s “Lebowski on the Lanes” Fundraiser

Fans of The Big Lebowski will be able to team up and bowl for a good cause on Saturday, June 8th at the Rivoli Theater Restoration Coalition’s “Lebowski on the Lanes” fundraiser. This celebration of all things Lebowski will help fund the restoration of the Rivoli Theater as well as the Coalition’s community programming. The Coalition has been working to turn Pendleton’s historic Rivoli Theater into a state-of-the-art performance center since 2011. Earlier this year they finished the first of the three major construction phases that will make up the theater’s restoration. In addition to the work they have done to restore the theater, they began offering community programming for the first time last year.

The Rivoli’s new programming includes free movie screenings with a facilitated group conversation after the movie and a series of film classes. This programming, according to Director of Development Liza Dadoly, is an essential part of the Coalition’s mission to serve its community. “Our community programming is designed to provide people in Umatilla County with an opportunity to meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations through film,” Dadoly says, “We’re excited to host a fundraiser celebrating a beloved cult film to bring our community together to support these programs.”

The idea of a Lebowski-themed tournament came from Rivoli Theater Coalition board member Caitlin Collins. Collins says she was inspired by a suggestion to offer the Dude’s iconic Pendleton Woolen Mills Westerly sweater as a prize at the organization’s last fundraiser. They did not get the sweater in October but an idea was born. “We realized all the fun we could have centering a fundraiser around [The Big Lebowski], similar to “Lebowski Fests” that have brought together fans to celebrate The Big Lebowski. The concept felt like the perfect marriage between cinephilia and Pendleton pride, two things that drive our organization’s efforts to restore the Rivoli.” says Collins. The Coalition quickly got to work planning the event and have tied it all together with an appropriate amount of Lebowski flair–they are even offering a Westerly sweater donated to the Coalition by the Pendleton Woolen Mills as a raffle prize.

Lebowski on the Lanes participants will have an opportunity to take part in raffles, a Big Lebowski costume contest, a trivia game, and, of course, a team bowling tournament. Teams of three will take to the wooden floors and compete for the highest score before the alleys are turned over for casual bowling for the rest of the night.

Lebowski on the Lanes will be held at Wildhorse’s Quaking Aspens Lanes on Saturday, June 8 from 6pm-9pm. General admission is $20 and admission for a bowling team of three people is $75. Tickets are available online or at the door. For more information, visit the Rivoli Theater’s website, www.rivolitheater.org, or check out their Facebook page, rivolitheaterpendleton, for updates. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Director of Development Liza Dadoly at liza@rivolitheater.org.