Организация возрождения оперного театра Sorg проведет благотворительный гольф-турнир из-за поломки системы кондиционирования

Ahead of needed repairs to the Sorg Opera House’s heating and cooling system, the venue’s revitalization group has announced its first-ever benefit. Sorg Opera Revitalization Group President Nancy Griffith told the Journal-News the organization recently discovered significant issues with the building’s HVAC system. “Had we known that when we had the OFCC money, we could have made the correct changes, but we didn’t know that until we tried to turn the air conditioning on,” Griffith said. A grant awarded by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission in summer 2025 funded several building improvements, including roof repairs, HVAC and ceiling replacement in the lobby, basement ceiling installation and security upgrades. The city of Middletown provided the required local match to secure the grant funds and is being reimbursed as project work is completed and invoices are paid. Griffith said the opera house has two industrial HVAC units: one that heats and cools the main theater and another that serves the stage area. According to Griffith, the theater unit no longer provides cooling, while the stage unit no longer provides heat. The revitalization group has received an estimate of about $9,000 for the repairs after initially receiving a quote of $28,000. However, Griffith said the total cost could increase if technicians uncover additional problems once work begins. “If we choose to have the HVAC units fixed, that in essence takes away all of our deposit money for concerts,” she said. Historically, the organization has relied on donated labor and in-kind contributions when undertaking building improvements. “An important note for us is that a lot of what we do involves sweat equity,” Griffith said last summer. The group depends on roughly 100 volunteers to carry out nearly all of its operations, along with contractors hired for construction projects and professionals who provide sound, technical and entertainment services. When the Journal-News visited the Sorg in March, the venue’s three-year lobby renovation had been completed. At that time, board secretary Larry Mulligan said expanding community-level fundraising would be a priority for future projects. To help cover the latest repair costs, the organization has planned Sorg’s Backyard Golf Bash, scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at 791 Fourth Ave. at Middletown’s Forest Hills Country Club Participants can register individually or as foursomes. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, a cart and access to a Gold Star Chili coney bar. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.