By: Steven Crouch (TB-1181)
On June 28th, 2006, Harkins Theatres celebrated the opening of a brand new Cine Capri facility in north east Tempe, Arizona. This new state-of-the-art theatre, located in the Marketplace 16 complex, boasts one of the largest screens in the Valley: 71 feet wide by 30 feet tall, and the sound system has 146 speakers, blasting 30,000 watts!
To celebrate the opening, the theatre chain hosted a charity screening of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Why Star Wars? Well back in 1977, Star Wars played exclusively at the original Cine Capri Theatre (which was located in Phoenix until it was demolished in 1997) for almost two years. The success from 30 years ago solidified the need to re-screen the film for the grand opening of the new Cine Capri – it was a real no brainer.
Dan Harkins, CEO of Harkins Theatres, asked the members of the Dune Sea Garrison to help celebrate this monumental occassion by showing up to support the charity screening. Members entertained theatre-goers with random antics and photo opportunities, and even took part in a special award ceremony. With tickets costing $40 a piece and an extremely large crown in attendance, the charity event raised a sizeable amount of money for The Centers for Habilitation – a charity created to help those with disabilities.
For several hours Star Wars fans young and old socialized, ate, and drank right up until the awards ceremony. After all of the awards were handed out to various individuals involved with the construction of the new facility, a few audience members, and even an award for the Dune Sea Garrison; the lights turned down and the opening title for Star Wars splashed across the gigantic screen.
The Dune Sea Garrison was very proud to be a part of this wonderful event and it will be a night long remembered. Thank you Dan Harkins, for bringing everyone’s favorite childhood movie back to theatres!
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