Saturday, August 15, Swift Creek Mill Theatre experienced severe flooding as a result of heavy rains. Over a foot of water accumulated in the structure’s main level, completely submerging the basement and dining room. Artistic Director Tom Width called it “the worst I have seen in my 44 years at the Mill.”

This represents a devastating blow to the Mill’s struggle to reopen in 2021, already an uphill battle in light of the massive loss of revenue experienced as a result of its forced closure, since mid-March, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “There is no skirting around the stark situation in which we find ourselves” said Managing Director Steven Koehler. “I will be blunt: the future of the Mill is in serious jeopardy. More than ever, we are in desperate need of donations.”

The theatre, which is a not-for-profit organization, launched a “KeepTheLightsOn” campaign in April asking for donations during its closure but responses, though initially promising, have waned in recent weeks. Those who wish to do so can make a donation on the Mill’s website at www.swiftcreekmill.com or by using their text-to-give option by dialing (804) 424-5270 and following the prompts. A GoFundMe page has also been set up for donations.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support and concern expressed by so many members of the community,” said Koehler. “We have faced challenges before and are determined to overcome this setback and come back stronger than ever.”