FILLMORE : Auction Raises Funds for Theater Restoration

An auction of movie memorabilia Saturday drew a crowd of several hundred residents from Ventura and Los Angeles counties and raised about $17,000 for the restoration of Fillmore’s Towne Theater.

Kirk Douglas’ timepiece from the movie “Posse” and Kevin Costner’s director’s chair from “Dances With Wolves” drew the highest bids at $600 and $500, respectively, Fillmore Mayor Linda Brewster said.

Other top-dollar items included actress Dana Delaney’s dog tags from the television show “China Beach,” a basketball autographed by the entire Los Angeles Lakers’ 1994 team and an etching in tribute to Mel Blanc, who provided the voices of many cartoon characters.

During the Northridge earthquake, the theater’s back wall collapsed and part of the roof fell in. The city has received a $475,000 grant for restoration of the Central Avenue landmark, but still needs about $500,000 to buy new projection equipment and replace worn and damaged seats.