Sen. Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna) presented a $25,000 donation to Friends of Earl Smith Chair Barbara Williams and Strand Chair Earl Smith toward the renovation of The Strand Theatre and the Earl Smith Tribute.

“This is a great way to honor Earl,” said Stoner, a long-time friend of Smith’s.

The Friends of The Strand plan to name The Strand’s “Grand Staircase” leading from the lobby to the second floor mezzanine after the senator. It will be called the Sen. Doug Stoner and Della Stoner Staircase.

Stoner explained he not only wanted to honor his friend, but to help bring The Strand back to life, too.

“It creates another great space for the arts in Cobb County,” Stoner said. “Also, The Strand is an important part of Marietta and Cobb County’s history. My family’s been here for six generations, and I remember when The Strand was still open.”

He remembers watching films including “Benjy” during his pre-teen years in the theatre that showed its final film in 1976.

“Doug’s recognition of the value The Strand will bring to the community is significant,” said Earl Smith. “He has deep roots to this area and is very supportive of this community.”

The $25,000 donation joins several other recent donations toward the Earl Smith Tribute including $10,000 from Gas South, $10,000 from Stephen W. Imler, and $22,000 from the Goldstein Family.

The Earl Smith Tribute Challenge is on the threshold of the last month before the final deadline. Several community leaders donated $500,000 to the Friends of The Strand to buy the theatre’s $1 million naming rights and light up the marquee as the Earl Smith Strand. They challenged associates, friends, and the community to come up with the other half by June 1. The group is currently $200,000 short of reaching its goal, and is now offering brick paver dedications in the sidewalk in front of The Strand as a way for people to participate.

The nonprofit Friends of the Strand, Inc. formed to restore the historic Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square and provide a range of entertainment including hosting films, concerts, and live performing arts. The Strand will feature two banquet facilities for private events, one with access to a roof top terrace, the only space like it on the square.

To find out more about the Earl Smith Tribute Challenge, the brick paver campaign, and The Strand, please visit www.FriendsofTheStrand.org or call 678-569-1321.