Abe Ambroza speaks at the Lima Civic Center’s 40th Anniversary Gala on Thursday night.
Jacob Espinosa | The Lima News
LIMA — An estimated 230,000 people are set to come through the doors of the Veterans Memorial Civic Center during its 41st year in existence.
But the entertainment venue first celebrated the milestone of 40 years with its annual gala Thursday night.
“When this building was built, it wasn’t easy,” Civic Center CEO Abe Ambroza said. “The founders that made this building had to put in a lot of work, and it took years for them to make it happen. For us to still be standing here and having the successes that we’re having now just really makes us proud to continue that tradition and that work of keeping the venue stable for the future and tonight we’re celebrating all of those things.”
Molly Weis, who documented the history of the building in a book, said getting the project funded over 40 years ago was an intensive effort, but the skepticism of its detractors has proven to be unwarranted.
“This is a place for all of us to come together and meet one another,” she said. “It’s in the heart of our community we value, and that’s something we should celebrate and continue to invest in.”
Ambroza shared the example of an anonymous donor giving funds to install a new sign outside the venue as he called on attendees to support the foundation.
“In addition to presenting shows, we’re here to support the Civic Center in other ways, such as when there are repairs needed,” Ambroza said in a speech. “And our foundation has been able to step up in the past and will continue to step up.”
Attendees were treated to videos previewing the upcoming schedule for the Civic Center and a look back at what it was like when it first opened in 1984.
The most important thing was seeing the support it enjoys with the community already.
“I think it’s a testament of what everyone saw when they were building the Civic Center and what they fought for over the years,” Civic Center development coordinator Carmen Cecala-Wells said. ”We’re able to provide entertainment and bring the people together, and it’s just a real cultural hub for the community. It’s so nice to see it growing and to see what the future holds.”
For more information on the Civic Center Foundation, visit bit.ly/3Y9y4gc.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
