Charleston Cinema owners Eric and Frances Myers screen films for children and charge nothing.

They charge others at reduced rates and thought that would be enough to make a profit. But, they say, after continued nearby disruptive roadwork and even after increased sales, it has not happened.

“For our fourth summer we had anticipated that we would finally be operating at a profit,” Frances Myers said in a written statement. “However, it was at this time that the City of Bremerton began work on the Gateway Project and virtually made it impossible for people to get down Callow Avenue or to the Cinema. By the end of the summer, our customer base had decreased so much that we would have been out of business except for the fact that both Eric and I hold full time jobs outside of the cinema.”

The couple is reaching out to friends and family and the public for donations they hope can carry them over a rough period. They are looking for 1,400 people to donate $100, to match the $14,000 they have received mostly from family.

For more information contact Frances Myers at 360-830-5173 after 1 p.m. or frances@charlestoncinema.com.