CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Swift Creek Mill Theatre has reached its $250,000 fundraising goal and is planning to announce shows as early as Wednesday. Support poured in for the 60-year-old theatre and the goal was met just two days before the "Save The Mill" fundraiser was set to end. “W e are so incredibly grateful for the generosity of the many people who’ve come out to help us," said managing director Steven Koehler. Koehler says he's been optimistic throughout the fundraiser, which began in late August, and appreciates every gift no matter the amount. Behind the scenes: Swift Creek Mill shows importance of the theatre “I think the excitement outweighed anything else, and a comfort in the knowledge that our patrons have come through for us yet again," Koehler said. "And their love for the mill has carried us through so many dark times and this is just the latest one.” The COVID-19 pandemic set sales back by 25% to 30%, and the theatre's board realized they spent more money than what was coming in. In an effort to start saving money, the theatre pulled back on its pre-show dinner service, focusing solely on live performances. The "Save The Mill" campaign began in late August, with a goal of raising $250,000 and gaining community feedback on what they want the future of the mill to look like. “This is not the end of our fundraising by any stretch, but this is what we needed to have the ability to reopen, the ability to hire professional staff, the ability to put marketing out there, the ability to put up a production as early as December," Koehler said. The board will officially convene Tuesday night to discuss next steps like hiring and hopefully planning the beloved "Drifty the Snowman" production ahead of the holidays. ...read more read less