Grand Opening Success!

The Gem Theatre and Star Saloon reopened October 24-26 with a sold-out weekend of music and film, timed to mark 20 years since the first renovation work party in October 2005.

October 24 brought donors and volunteers together for a warm evening of shared food and live jazz inside the auditorium. Jacie Sites took the stage on October 25 with her band, fresh off multiple national titles. On October 26, the City Girl by F. W. Murnau returned to its roots with a local screening; parts of the film were shot near Athena in 1928 during wheat harvest.

More classic film showings begin in January 2026, bringing new life to this small-town landmark, with concerts following again in Spring 2026. Visit, take a seat, and catch what's next.

Click the Image to see more photos of the Event! volunteernightstairs

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🎭 LAST CHANCE to Be Part of GEM History! 🎭

We’re $12K away from finishing the stage – and YOU can help close the gap!

💺 50 historic balcony seats left – sponsor one for just $75 and get your name on a 1906 “Cosy” seat that’s been in the GEM since 1919!

🧱 60 engraved pavers left – for $140, place your name (or message) out front by the Star Saloon. 3 lines, 50 characters max.

⏰ DEADLINE LOOMING – we open Oct. 25!

⚡ Put your name on the project – and in the GEM forever.


📩 Visit Our Donation Page to reserve yours before they’re gone! 

#SaveTheStage #TheGemLivesOn #UmatillaHistory #TheatreLegacy #NameInLights #SupportTheArts #FinalCall

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We’re in the Valley Giving Guide Again!

The Gem is a Valley Giving Guide Participant again for 2023! By connecting your gifts to a network of fellow givers, the Valley Giving Guide is a unique opportunity to create collective impact on the causes that matter to you.

Every gift will be boosted with funds from the Bonus Pool, with the greatest boost for gifts made online.

This campaign runs through December 31, 2023 so act Now!

DONATE HERE

 

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Cosy Seat Sponsorships Available!

Earlier this year, Gem ran a successful seat sponsorship campaign for the 120 seats on the main floor known as the Bagdad seats.  There were individuals and families that wanted to participate after we had run out of seats to sponsor.

We have decided to open sponsorship to the sixty seats in the balcony known as the Cosy seats.  Like the seats on the main floor, sponsorship at $75 per seat will include a plaque with your name attached to the back of the seat.

Proceeds will be used to further offset the expenses associated with installation of the facility seats.

You can donate directly via PayPal using the donate button, and indicate in the comments it’s for the Cosy Seat Sponsorship and whose name you’d like attached. If you have questions, contact Rob at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Help Fund Seats! SOLD OUT!

the amazing response to the seat campaign has all seats sold! THANK YOU! We still have pavers available, and you can still donate via the Gofundme link, but no more seats.


The Gem is preparing to install historic seats in the theatre this fall.  We are looking for sponsors for the 120 seats on the main floor, at $75 per seat.  We will install a plaque on the back of the seat with your name or a name of your choosing.  The donation can be made through the existing GoFundMe campaign, if the donation is made this way please go to "NOTE OF SUPPORT" and tell us there what you want your seat plaque to read or if sponsoring more than one how the plaques should read.

Seat sponsor payments may also be sent by check payable to Athena's Gem, P.O. Box 85, Athena OR 97813.  Include a note with the name for the seat plaque.

This campaign will remain in effect until October 1, 2023 unless all 120 seats are sponsored before that time.  We intend to have the Gem seats installed in time for the 2023 holiday season.
 

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Click Here (or on the headline above)

to listen to our Article on OPB from April 29, 2023!

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City Girl Promo Card