Chuck Norris helps open
Waxahachie's new 12-screen theater

By Andrew Branca
Daily Light staff writer

Excitement, anticipation and the smell of fresh popcorn were all in the air at the new ShowBiz Cinemas in Waxahachie on Thursday evening. Crowds packed the lobby of the new theater on Broadhead Road to get a glimpse of the man on the evening, Chuck Norris.

The movie actor known for his martial arts prowess was in Waxahachie to wish the theater success in its grand opening and also to bring attention to his charity, Kickstart.

“It is truly an honor to be here tonight in Waxahachie and to support the opening of this new theater. We started Kickstart 16 years ago and the main focus is to help kids that are at risk and instill core values in them.” Norris said.

“Using myself as an example, I grew up dirt poor in Oklahoma and to be honest I was never involved in athletics and only got involved in martial arts when I joined the military,” he said. “Martial art has helped me overcome my shortcomings and it is our job to encourage these kids to succeed.”

The program is in place in 43 schools across Texas with 150students enrolled at each school. To operate the program costs up to $70,000 per school or around $500.00 per student. Norris reflected that the program changes the life of the student who learns physical and mental conditioning, a feeling of self-worth and hope for the future. It also changes the life of the parents by giving them an opportunity to be more involved in their child’s life. Profits from the evening’s concession sales were to be donated to Norris’ charity.

After he was done speaking, rounds of applause were followed by cheers of approval from the crowd gathered in the lobby. Also speaking at Thursday’s opening were several community leaders from Waxahachie, including city councilman Joe Jenkins. Jenkins reflected the feeling of many who were gathered there by saying, “What a great day it is to be in Waxahachie.”

“What a great crowd we have here tonight and what a great new business we have here. We are so glad to have new businesses come here, but this one in particular provides comfort and enjoyment for everyone who comes,” Jenkins said.

“When I was driving up here earlier I could not believe that this place was really that big and I said to myself is this really Waxahachie? But it is and we are so grateful to have these new businesses here,” he said.

Jenkins then presented the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce membership plaque to Gary Witherspoon of Crepe Myrtle Development, which helped to construct the new theater. Norris, Jenkins and Kevin Mitchell, ShowBiz Cinemas president and CEO, gather at the ramp leading to the auditoriums and cut a ribbon made of film to officially open the theater to the public.

For more information on directions, featured movies, show times, and ticket prices go to their Web site at www.showbizcinemas.com

Story courtesy of Waxahachie Daily Light