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Health & Fitness

Marcus Theatres Movie Biz Blog: Life, and the Movies, Must Go On

Marcus Theatres marketing and communications manager, Carlo Petrick, reflects on the Colorado theatre shooting and what it means for the entertainment industry.

Written by Carlo Petrick, marketing and communications manager for Marcus Theatres


Like all Americans, I was shocked, appalled, disgusted, saddened and angered by what happened in a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado at the midnight premier of the Dark Knight Rises. The senseless taking of 12 lives and the injury of scores more by a deranged man with thousands of rounds of ammunition and four weapons will never make sense.

The tragedy took place in a movie theatre, but unfortunately, it could have taken place anywhere people gather — churches, schools, college campuses, bus stops, military bases, night clubs, malls — and sadly similar incidents have happened at these places. The safety and security of Marcus Theatres guests and associates is always a priority concern. We have always been proactive, instituting appropriate measures so that our security precautions are in place every day, but providing details of security procedures can actually undermine security by providing those who want to subvert it with information about how to do so. This tragedy has caused many businesses, including movie theatres, to take another look at security, but security can never protect everyone from every possible possibility.  

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In terms of human tragedy, the shootings in Colorado have affected many people — those who were injured or killed at the theatre, their families and friends, the communities in which they live, as well as those of us in the entertainment industry and even everyone who goes to movies. This tragedy has touched me personally as one of the people injured in the shooting was the friend of someone I know. The random, deranged actions of a single individual should not, and cannot, negate more than 110 years of the joy that going to the movies provides to Americans. Just as with all tragedies, we hurt, we grieve, we heal and we learn from them and then do the best we can to get on with our lives.

Many people have asked how they can help the victims of the senseless tragedy in Aurora, Colorado last week. The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) and Marcus Theatres ask that you join with us to support The Aurora Victim Relief Fund as the most direct and efficient way of rendering that aid.  Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, and Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan request that donations be made to The Aurora Victim Relief Fund, which has been established in partnership with Governor Hickenlooper through Community First Foundation.

If you would like to generously donate, please write a check to: Community First Foundation. *Dedicate your contribution to assist the victims in Aurora:

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Mail to:
Community First Foundation,
6870 W 52nd Avenue, Suite 103
Arvada, CO 80002

 
If you would like to make an online donation, please go to: www.GivingFirst.org. You can donate with all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or information from a bank account (personal checking).

Community First Foundation is a longstanding, trusted community foundation that will direct your gifts to the nonprofit organizations serving those affected. This fund will only be used to meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims, their families and the broad needs of those affected in the community.
Community First Foundation, www.communityfirstfoundation.org, is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a history of effectively and efficiently targeting resources in Colorado to help people in need during times of crisis.  

Follow the Marcus Theatres® Movie Biz Blog to receive the most up-to-date movie information and behind-the-scenes scoop about the movies you can’t wait to see on the big screen. As the sixth largest theatre circuit in the United States, Marcus Theatres wants to keep you informed about the latest in the entertainment world. Visit www.marcustheatres.com and follow the company on Facebook and (@Marcus_Theatres).

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