EDITORIAL: Premier a special evening for Whitehall

There was a special feeling in the air Friday night in downtown Whitehall, when shortly after 5 p.m., a large crowd started to make their way to the Star Theater for a special premiere/fundraiser screening of the film “The Ballad of Lefty Brown”.

The event served as a wonderful opportunity for local residents to be able to meet the films star Bill Pullman and director Jared Moshe, but more importantly was a chance to raise a significant amount of money for the Jefferson Valley Museum.

In total around $12,000 was raised for the museum and these generous donations from the community are a shining example of the great people who live here.

The museum is such an asset to the community and this money will help with much needed work on the outside of the building. This will allow the museum to continue to share its wealth of history on the Lower Jefferson Valley.

Star Theater Manager Colton Anderson and Pullman stepped up to the plate for the community and their efforts did not go unnoticed. The two worked hard to put together truly incredible night for Whitehall.

Since taking over operations of the theater, Anderson has time and time again stepped up to help the community. Along with providing a chance for residents to see quality films in a nice environment, he strives to raise money for organizations like Toys for Tots and the Jefferson Valley Museum.

Known for years as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, Pullman had banner year in 2017 with a strong performance in the Lefty Brown and an equally impressive role in the critically and commercially successful show “The Sinner”. Despite his packed schedule, he found time to come to his ranch in Cardwell and help out with a barn renovation and the museum fundraiser.

Seeing his interaction with local residents was pure magic. While he may be an accomplished and highly sought out actor, he is truly a local resident and one that steps up to the plate when needed.

There probably aren’t words that can give justice to the importance of this fundraiser and the hard work by organizers, but thanks for all you did to make this happen. It was an amazing night for Whitehall that will be remembered for years to come. JHS