MASSENA — The Massena Arts and Theater Association (MATA) received a $50,000 donation from the SeaComm Federal Credit Union to aid in the restoration of the Massena Schine Theater.  

This contribution will be used toward the refurbishment of the vintage marquee, which will be remounted on the front of Massena’s classic, pre-depression era theater.  

“This donation further illustrates SeaComm’s continued commitment to Massena in general and specifically the continuing efforts to revitalize our downtown,” said R. Shawn Gray, outgoing president of MATA.

The Massena Schine Theater was one of the initial anchors of a once vibrant and thriving downtown.  MATA is confident that their efforts, coupled with continuing support of the greater Massena community, will help this once again become a reality

“SeaComm is celebrating six-decades of doing business in Massena and is continually committed to ensuring that organizations, such as the Massena Arts and Theater Association are able to fulfill its mission,” Gray said. “The Theater, which at one-time was the center piece of our downtown will once again play a vital role in providing quality film and related performance entertainment within its historic walls,” states Scott A. Wilson, SeaComm President & Chief Executive Officer.  “Our partnership on this Marquee project is an extension of what our Credit Union has done for the past 60 years through its ongoing partnership with the community, one in which we solidly began our humble foundation.  We couldn’t be more pleased to see this project move forward and the lights of this Marquee once again are lit,” he added.

Schine Theater officials said they are hopeful that other businesses, corporations and individuals will follow SeaComm’s example and help support this  community endeavor.  

Anyone who has a question or may want further information about MATA in general or to be part of our fundraising efforts, visit MATA’s face book page: Massena Schine Theater, or at massenaschinetheater.com.