In 1998 a group of Merced residents formed the Merced Theatre Foundation, Inc., with the goal of restoring the Theatre to its former glory as a showplace for motion pictures and live performances.

The mission of the Foundation is to:

"Restore the historic landmark Merced Theatre as a self-supporting center for arts,entertainment, and civic events for Merced and the Central Valley."

The not-for-proft Foundation and the City of Merced have worked with historic preservation experts to guide the restoration of the Theatre.

The Merced Theatre Foundation's goal was to complete Phase One and Phase Two prior to the Diamond Jubilee Gala celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Theatre in October 2006.

This goal was met on schedule. Phase Three was given a boost when a major grant was received in August 2007. (See the Events page.)

Current makeup of the Merced Theatre Foundation Executive Board:

Kathleen Crookham, Chair
Grey Roberts, Treasurer
Craig Scott, Vice Chair
Board of Directors:  Lee Andersen, Judi Arthur, Jim Cunningham, Alfred Day, Doug Fluetsch, Bill Foster, Tom Frazier, Skip George, Doris Gonella, Vince Griffiths, Dan Holmes, Art Kamangar, Lorraine Murphy, Wendell Olson, and Joan Sortini.

Merced Theatre Foundation Manager: Andrea Stoddard
Building Manager: Joe Veal