UPDATED: Fans raise more than $14K to fix 103-year-old Outer Banks movie theater’s projector

Pioneer Theater [photo courtesy Outer Banks Visitors Bureau]

The second century of operation for a family-owned movie house in downtown Manteo has seen both ups and downs. But the double-whammy of being closed for months due to COVID-19 and now a failure with its digital projector threatened to bring down the curtain permanently.

But just 72 hours after things looked to be at their worst for owner and operator Buddy Creef, something he best described as overwhelming has happened.

“I am so awestruck and humbled by the massive outpouring of support and love for the Pioneer Theater,” Creef said.

The Pioneer Theater, which has stood on Budleigh Street since 1918, has weathered everything from storms and floods to a pair of global pandemics.

Once restrictions on movie theaters were lifted in late summer, Buddy began showings films ranging from “The Peanut Butter Falcon” to “Jaws”.

Then came “a major malfunction in our digital projector system that will take a minimum of $10,000 to repair,” Creef said. A GoFundMe effort was launched Sunday morning to help pay for it.

And then the donations began pouring in, taking just 22 hours to hit the $10,000 goal. And as of Monday evening it had already topped $14,000.

Creef expressed his heartfelt thanks to movie fans both near and far Monday night on Facebook:

I am so awestruck and humbled by the massive outpouring of support and love for the Pioneer Theater. When I woke up this morning and saw the amount of love you have sent us I cried like a baby. It took me many, many hours to actually follow the advice of all who said set up a go fund me account. It was an equal mix of, pride, stubbornness, ego, and embarrassment that kept me pacing, fretting and contemplating. I finally caved and thought it would be a nice gesture to those who suggested the donation account, and I have been overwhelmed with the donations, stories, words of encouragement, and love from all of our customers who are part of the Pioneer Theater family. It is quite an experience to feel so so much love and appreciation for a business that means so much to you. I love each and every one of you, and put forth a very humble and sincere thank you. As soon as we can order the appropriate equipment and get it installed we will let you know the reopening date. As I always say, Peace, Love, and Popcorn to all of you my friends.

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Sam Walker was news director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, Big 94.5 WCMS and Z 92.3 from August 2011 to March 2022.