A community campaign to raise money for a new digital projection system for the Vashon Theatre is nearing its end and has brought in more than $76,000 since it began in June.

The goal is $80,000, according to Tag Gornall, who, as a member of Island GreenTech, helped spearhead the campaign. Fundraising efforts will continue until Aug. 31.

At the Vashon Theatre, owner Eileen Wolcott expressed her gratitude.

“We’re overwhelmed and shocked and excited and stressed and thrilled,” she said. “I like to think of myself as an optimist, but I never would have imagined this. It’s just miraculous.”

Members of Island GreenTech, a group that supports Vashon entrepreneurs,  stepped forward to raise the funds because of changes in the film industry. Theaters across the country will soon have to switch to digital projection systems, rather than continue to rely on the projectors for 35 mm film that have been used for years.

Wolcott had been planning to take out a business loan to cover the costs of the new equipment, but it was a move she was not relishing.

“We’re so grateful,” she said.

With their goal in sight, Wolcott, Gornall and Islanders with expertise in digital projection systems have been working to determine the best options and have two bids secured from companies that might install the equipment, Gornall said. They expect the projector will be installed in October.

In all, according to Wolcott, money from the community will fund a digital projector, a pedestal for it to sit on, equipment necessary to make the projector work, a new screen and sound and lighting equipment. It is also possible the theater will be able to purchase 3D equipment, but such a move requires plumbing and wiring for a washing machine for the glasses, the machine itself and the glasses, which cost $10 each. Wolcott is not certain yet if there will be enough funds for 3D, she said, but she is hopeful.

“It would be really nice to have something fun to show the people of Vashon,” she said.

Both Gornall and Wolcott noted they are being careful stewards of the money the community has entrusted to them and are making decisions carefully.

The theater will also use its own money to make necessary changes, Wolcott said. Funds will go to plumbing, wiring, renovation of the stage and repairs to the roof and awning to keep water out.

“It’s a fixer building,” Wolcott said.

The campaign was a positive experience for Gornall.

“I feel very good about it,” he said. “One of the exciting things is people stopping you in the store and on the street and handing you money. … I’m just amazed that we in this community have so much trust with each other.”

Not only did people do-nate when asked, he said, but people tracked him down in order to make a contribution. About six members of GreenTech formed the core of the campaign, but Gornall says he feels the whole community was involved. At the Strawberry Festival, he noted, passersby put more than $6,000 in the donation jar at their booth. Do the math, he said, and it works out to each Islander contributing roughly the cost of a movie ticket.

Without the weight of a large loan looming, Wolcott noted, she is looking ahead and has many projects in mind.

“This little theater is going to turn into something for the people of Vashon to really enjoy,” she said.