Harkins holds Deer Valley Foundation premiere

Theater shows continued commitment to schools in grand opening

by Jan B. Jacobson

Deer Valley Education Foundation board member Gloria Wyatt (left) receives an atograph from Fay Ann Lee, the writer, director and star of "Falling From Grace," which the new Harkins Norterra showed on its grand opening.

The community not only gained a new theater for entertainment when Norterra opened its doors in late April, it found a neighborhood partner in Harkins – one that benefits education, specifically the Deer Valley School District.

More than 400 local residents recently were the first to visit the new Harkins Norterrra 14, which held a gala to benefit the educational enrichment programs of the Deer Valley Education Foundation.

“We love to give back to our community,” Harkins president Dan Harkins said about the partnership with the foundation.

The event began with a reception and included a silent and live auction and raffle, food and entertainment. A screening of the soon-to-be-released film, Saving Grace, followed. The writer, director, producer and lead actress of the film, Fay Ann Lee, was on hand to answer questions about the film and greet the guests.

Attendees each paid $30 for the privilege and each received a special goody bag that was filled with Harkins paraphernalia including a T-shirt, souvenir cup and two Harkins movie tickets.

The Foundation raised nearly $16,000 that evening.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds of the event went to our foundation, and we exceeded our fundraising,” said foundation Executive Director Marie Brennan.

“Harkins generosity is overwhelming. The way Dan Harkins and Harkins Theaters give back to the community is amazing. We were so appreciative to them for partnering with us, supplying the goody bags, doing all the planning, finding the caterers and providing the facility. Without community support, the Foundation could not provide funding for projects beyond the traditional classroom experience.”

This is first time that the Deer Valley Education Foundation has held this type of event. They hold an annual golf event and also give out scholarships to juniors and seniors in high school interested in pursuing the health care field and work to meet the needs of all children in their 37 schools.

Scottsdale-based Harkins Theatres is celebrating its 75th anniversary in Arizona. It was founded by renowned inventor, TV general manager, showman, and community leader Dwight “Red” Harkins and was taken over by his son, Dan, upon Dwight’s death.

Over the years, Harkins has been known for its advancements in the motion picture exhibition industry. It is the largest family-owned theater chain in the country and a premiere Western U.S. movie exhibitor with more than 400 screens.

The new Norterra theater, which is located at Interstate-17 and Happy Valley Road, is a 14-screen megaplex.
“It’s the first all-digital theater in Arizona,” Harkins said.

“We are delivering the ultimate moviegoing experience with state-of-the-art digital sound technology; high-back, special-designed rocking seats; and wall-to-wall screens.”

The theater also includes a Harkins Play Center, an in-lobby childcare facility that provides toys, crafts, computer games and books in a secure setting.

Mom and Dad can drop off their children and watch a movie, knowing that their children are being supervised by certified professionals, at a cost of just $6 per child. It eliminates the need for finding a babysitter.

Last year, Harkins opened six locations in Maricopa County and Casa Grande, including Park West 14, San Tan Village 16, Tempe Marketplace, Christown 14, Casa Grande 14 and Chandler Crossroads.