PORT HUENEME : Group Seeks Funds for Cultural Center

A group of Port Hueneme residents and business leaders is seeking to turn the Dorill B. Wright Cultural Center into a nonprofit organization in response to proposed city budget cuts that would close the building.

Group members hope to keep the center operating with private donations and sponsorship. The center, at 575 Surfside Drive, houses a 588-seat theater that hosts cultural events and rents meeting space to private groups.

On Tuesday, a city official commended the group’s interest in the center but expressed concern about its ability to raise enough money to maintain the level of programs that the city has provided.

“I’m all for . . . community support of the center,” City Manager Dick Velthoen said. “But it would take $250,000 (a year) to run it like the city has.”

The effort to save the center started last month after Port Hueneme Recreation and Community Services Director Brady Cherry proposed to close the facility to save money.

Ray Prueter, a member of the group, said individuals and organizations from throughout Ventura County have indicated that they would make donations to the center. About 30 people are involved in the group.

“We’re confident that we can do it,” said Prueter, who was mayor of Port Hueneme for 12 years until 1974. “We don’t want to see the center die. We’re getting a lot of sources. . . . It’s going to be mostly donations from very interested people.”