By Mary Miller
In March 2010 Don Barclay got together a group of people interested in renovating the Dillon High School auditorium built in 1936 and returning its use to the Dillon community.  Initially known as “Dillon Historic School Advocacy,” the members assessed the huge task they faced and kept their focus.  
In a short time the project had been defined, and Mr. Barclay decided to step aside as leader in favor of the election of officers.  Bob Braddy was elected Chairman and served until February 2014. At Mr. Braddy’s retirement, Gerald Berry was elected and still serves as Chairman.
All three worked with Superintendent Ray Rogers who supported the project from the very beginning.  Mr. Rogers, as speaker at the September meeting, offered the entire J.V. Martin campus to DHSF, subject to approval of District Four School Board.  The members decided to accept the offer.  An agreement was reached, and details are still being worked out.
Under Chairman Berry’s leadership, members have successfully attained four important goals.  A primary goal was to have the four historic buildings on the J.V. Martin campus put on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Historic Marker will be delivered in two to three weeks.  Another accomplishment was acquiring 501(c)3 status from the IRS so that contributions can  be tax deductible.  The  goal to become a Foundation has also been realized. Finally, the official DHSF brochure has now been printed and will very soon be mailed to supporters living here in Dillon and to those living away from home.
Those achievements have inspired the enthusiastic group of former Dillon High and J.V. Martin students to set new goals.  Members have prepared themselves through workshops, seminars, telephone surveys and polls on the best strategies for soliciting donations and grants, planning fundraisers and promotions.    Now that ownership may soon be a reality, they are ready for action.
DHSF would like to form an alliance with the other entertainment venues in the county to plan a variety of programs to avoid scheduling conflicts of events.  Since each auditorium has a different seating capacity, as well as unique advantages, attendance anticipation can be a determining factor for which of the venues could best be used.  
Berry believes that it will be mutually beneficial for a meeting of representatives from The Ellis Performing Arts Center, The Dillon County Theatre, the new Dillon High School auditorium and DHSF to work out a plan to cooperate with each other.
The next meeting of DHSF is Tuesday, November 3, in the conference room of the Chamber of Commerce.  Please note that the time has been changed to 6:00 p.m. due to Daylight Savings Time.  It is a good time to be a member of DHSF.  Join us.