Neighbors helping neighbors definitely describes the continued generosity of The First National Bank-Fairbury and the Pfaff family with their recent $10,000 contribution to the Bonham Theatre Project. As supporters of the Bonham Theatre Project from its inception, this $10,000 donation completes the $50,000 matching grant from The Sherwood Foundation, which was offered to BTP in April 2014.
Their initial $1,000 contribution aided BTP in formally organizing as a nonprofit corporation. Additional contributions totally $15,000 assisted in the acquisition of the building and contents. “The real effort is not in providing the financial support, but in the people who come together in turning a vision into reality,” said Tiffany Pfaff.
The Pfaff/Burkley connection to the Bonham Theatre goes back to its establishment. Barbara (Burkley) Pfaff is the great-niece to Luther Bonham, the namesake of the Bonham Theatre and in 1913 co-owner of the newly consolidated First National Bank of Fairbury. In 1926 Luther Bonham, as President of FNB, put together financing to construct the Bonham Theatre in conjunction with local investors and Universal Production Company.
Revitalizing Fairbury with a theatre is both a business and personal interest to the Pfaffs. “The continued existence of Fairbury and its residents has been the main priority to us through every generation of our family,” said Vernon Pfaff. “This is something that we also strive in helping our surrounding communities as well.”
“We are extremely grateful for the financial support of Vern and Barb, (daughter) Tiffany, The Burkley Family Fund, and The First National Bank,” said Brooke Schwab, president. “In a small town, we have to depend on each other because our futures are interconnected. It is reassuring to know the Pfaffs share this vision.”