Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre Plans August Fundraiser with Southern Flair

Douglas Rill, Burt Reynolds, James Bearden and Bob Nichols. Photo by Todd Vittum

A major charity event to help beloved Jupiter resident and movie star Burt Reynolds’ new museum, theater and teaching institute will take place this summer at L’Auberge Resort in St. Charles, La.

The surprise announcement was made by the board of directors of the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theatre. The institute, which also housed the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum off Indiantown Road, was demolished in 2012 to make way for the upscale Harbourside development.

The three-day fundraiser, set for Aug. 2 through 4, will feature a Burt Reynolds Poker Tournament, a golf fundraiser and a gala, plus an appearance by Reynolds. Live and silent auctions of an array of memorabilia from Reynolds’ 55-plus years in the business also will be on tap.

All proceeds from the southern-style event will go to the nonprofit organization’s capital campaign to build a new institute and museum on Jupiter land near Burt Reynolds Park. The new digs will feature space for classes, a state-of-the-art editing suite and rehearsal rooms, as well as a display of awards, photos, costumes, props and other items formerly housed in the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum. The items now are in storage.

Said Douglas Rill, board chairman: “The proceeds from this event are important if we are to secure a continuing legacy of Burt Reynolds’ talent for acting and teaching, as well as provide a home for the memories created by him over the past 55 years.”