In The Aftermath Of The Theater Shootings, Individuals And Local Businesses In Colorado Launch Program T "Take Back The Movies"

Going To The Movies Is An American Tradition; A Group In Colorado Has Formed To Help It Stay That Way

From the Nickelodeons which flourished just after the turn of the 20th century to today's digital and 3-D offerings, from family outings to a first date, a night at the movies has been an American tradition since the medium debuted more than a century ago.

In the wake of the horrific shootings at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater earlier this month, a group of Colorado citizens and businesses have come together to "Take Back the Movies" by purchasing as many tickets as possible to allow people to see a free movie Aug. 11 in honor of the victims of this crime.

Created and organized by Jason Cole, a Colorado business executive, the goal of "Take Back the Movies" is, Cole said, "to shine a little bit of light back into the darkness" of the shootings.

"There is a great deal being done from a fundraising standpoint for the victims and their families, and that should come first," said Cole. "In addition to those important efforts, I wanted to do something to take away the fear this person put into so many Americans' hearts about going to the movies -- something we've done with families and friends for generations. To honor the victims, I started this movement to make sure no one could take this experience that we love so much away from us," he added.

So far, the "Take Back the Movies" movement has raised more than $8,000 from Colorado individuals and businesses. The goal is to buy thousands of movie tickets Aug. 11 and give movie patrons a surprise that day by discovering their ticket has been paid for in honor of those killed or injured in the July 20 shootings.

For more information or to donate, visit the "Take Back the Movies" blog. All proceeds will be used to purchase tickets for movie-goers -- there are no administrative costs.

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