Grand prize winner may choose a $20,000 custom-designed solar array or to receive $10,000 cash
The Paramount Theatre announced on Nov. 18 that with the support of Same Sun of Vermont, they are selling raffle tickets for a $20,000 custom designed solar array. Should the winner of the raffle opt instead for a cash grand prize, their winning ticket will earn them $10,000. In addition to the grand-prize (solar array or $10,000 cash – winner’s choice) the second and third place drawings are worth $1,000 each. Tickets are now available exclusively online at ParamountVT.org for $100 or 5 for $399. Tickets purchased prior to Dec. 17 will be entered to win one of three $500 “early-bird” prizes. The winning names will be re-entered for a chance at winning the grand-prize which will be drawn on March 21, 2021 – the first day of spring. Ticket sales are capped at 838 – the number of seats in The Paramount Theatre; 838 seats currently closed to the public due to the pandemic.
The grand-prize winner, should they choose the array featuring Panasonic modules and an inverter by Generac, also benefits from the 22% Federal Tax Credit (an additional $4,840 winnings) and around $1,200/year in utility bill reductions. Additionally, like The Paramount, who went solar with Same Sun in 2015, the winner will also have bragging rights of a significantly decreased carbon footprint. Should the winner already be the owner of an array, they can use the $20,000 Same Sun of Vermont gift certificate towards a larger solar array or as a deposit toward battery backup storage. Full details are available at ParamountVT.org
“We, at Same Sun, believe that The Paramount Theatre’s fate is the fate of Rutland. Paramount’s productions are the magnet that attracts people to our downtown. We don’t even like to think or Rutland without the Paramount. This is why, over the years, Same Sun has donated a number of solar arrays and contributed, with Mark Alderman, a Chevy Bolt EV to the Festival of Trees This year we cannot fill a Paramount seat but we can provide for this raffle so that when this pandemic passes, the Paramount will be there for us once again.” expressed Same Sun owners Philip and Marlene Allen.
“With this substantial donation, Philip and Marlene continue their generous tradition of supporting this community. With the support of Same Sun, USDA and Green Mountain Power, The Paramount proudly went solar in 2015 – undoubtedly the most fiscally and eco-conscience capital improvement we have made in our two-decades since re-opening in 2000,” exclaimed Eric Mallette, The Paramount’s Interim Executive Director.
Same Sun is a local Rutland Vermont company has designed and installed hundreds of solar arrays from the size of 4 KW to 500 KW including the solar array at Rutland Regional Medical Center, the solar carport at Rutland City High School and the array atop the Paramount’s stage-house.
“The team at Same Sun has provided us five-plus years of first class customer service – further testament to their exceedingly high standard of quality. Rutland is a better place for their decision to do business in our community. Their durable commitment to both customer service in addition to the health and vitality of their community’s morale is deeply admirable,” Mallette Added.
The Paramount Theatre, a registered 501-c3 not for profit, fully ADA compliant organization including state-of-the-art hearing enhancement devices and wheelchair accessible seating, was shattering all of its previous Box Office sales records when the pandemic struck in March of 2020 forcing regular operations to suspend temporarily. The Paramount has since pivoted its mission-driven operations to include two new Drive In Movie Theatres located in Rutland and Brandon, Vermont as well as assuming full responsibility for the creation of two world-class fireworks displays allowing the greater-Rutland community to safely celebrate Independence Day and Halloween during the Covid era. Theatre management, with the full-support of its Board of Directors, is committed to a fully re-constituted Paramount Theatre when the pandemic has passed. Donations in support of this mission are appreciated and can be mailed to The Paramount Center, 30 Center Street, Rutland, Vermont 05701 or made online at paramountvt.org/support/membership.
