"Reel Art, Reel People" is a Real Success

The Clearview Cinemas in Babylon showed more than a movie Sunday night--on the evening of Mothers Day, as more than a hundred people came to show support for a local resident.

“Reel Art, Reel People” was a fundraising event held for Babylon teenager Catherine O’Malley, who is undergoing rehabilitation following a cardiac arrest last year.

Conceived by two Babylon High School graduates, Shannon Rigney and Ashley Zottola,  the unique event at the theater showcased the work of local artists and musicians while supporting a good cause.

The walls of the theater’s lobby and second floor overflowed with artwork ranging from photography to paint, pen-and-ink to fabric art, and more. And while one of the three theaters was used traditionally, to show a film, the other two played host to live music and lively art.

In one darkened theater, various bands entertained. In the other, a huge blank canvas was set up under bright lights, and paints and brushes were available so people could contribute to a community painting which took shape as the evening progressed.

Throughout the fundraiser, a flatscreen TV in the lobby shimmered with ever-changing photographs of Catherine with her family and friends.

Theater manager Joe Matus couldn't stop walking around, transporting his huge grin from one exciting area of the movie house to another. 

“Clearview is very happy to help out in this cause for Catherine O’Malley," Matus said. "I love this village and I love this theater and it was our pleasure to host this event.”

“This is a big hit, bigger than we thought. I’m so happy that everyone could come together to support Catherine. I’m thinking, based on this success, that it would be a great thing to do an event like this each year for different causes," said Zottola.

And when asked to share her thoughts about the evening, Shannon Rigney beamed and expressed them in three grateful words: “Thanks to all.”