Buffalo Grove Theater Responds to Colorado Shootings

is inviting the community to rally around its efforts to support the victims of the July 20 shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo.

The theater announced Wednesday on Facebook that it is soliciting donations on behalf of Community First Foundation, a nonprofit that has established a relief fund to benefit the shooting victims and their families. Buffalo Grove Theater will feature the donation link on its website. The theater will also collect cash donations, which will be turned over to the fund.

“We feel it’s a good cause. We want to help the families,” theater owner Debbie Benjamin said. “We’re just trying to help make a difference.”

Benjamin said she’d like to collect $40,000 — roughly $1 per Buffalo Grove resident — through the effort.

“I just want people to donate. I think it’s important and I think it’s a good cause. I think people should be nice to people,” Benjamin said.

The theater has also stepped up its security measures in the wake of the shootings. Since Friday, employees have been searching patrons’ purses and bags, more strictly enforcing the theater’s rule that disallows outside food and drinks, and checking the theaters and back doors more frequently. Costumes now can be worn only at a manager’s consent.

Signs at the ticket window and on the front doors and a notice on the theater’s website alert moviegoers that their bags will be checked. Benjamin said Wednesday that she’s only received two complaints from guests. Many others have called the theater seeking reassurance that security measures are in place before they head to the show, she said.

“Some customers have actually thanked us for checking their stuff,” Benjamin said.

She said she opted to handle security internally rather bring uniformed officers to the theater.

“You’re supposed to feel comfortable and relaxed when you go to a movie,” she said. “We’ve taken precautions that we think are necessary. We don’t want little kids to feel intimidated.”

She said she’s not certain whether the heightened security will remain part of the theater’s permanent routine.

“As time goes by, I’m sure everybody’s hoping we don’t have to go though these measures,” she said.

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