VALENTINE, Neb. – Valentine residents are one step closer to enjoying movies on the big screen again, thanks to a $25,000 grant awarded to Heart City Theater Corporation. The grant, announced Thursday by the Sandhills Area Foundation (SAF), comes from Union Bank and Trust and will support the theater's efforts.

The SAF, acting as the pass-through entity for tax-deductible donations, applied for the grant in collaboration with Heart City Theater.

"This grant will have a significant impact on our ability to bring back a theater to the community as well as bring quality theatrical experiences and live performances to our area,” said Heart City Theater Corporation President Danielle Arganbright. “We're grateful for the partnership with SAF and the generosity of Union Bank and Trust."

"This funding highlights support for the revival of the Valentine movie theater and will also help create new opportunities for creative expression in our community,” said SAF President Kim Marlatt.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, the nonprofit Heart City Theater Corporation was formed to reopen a theater at the former Fresh Fire Ministries location on Main Street, the previous home of the Jewel Theater.