YOUR DONATION WILL HELP CREATE A FACILITY THAT OFFERS:
OUR MISSION & VISION
We envision The Smith Mountain Lake Center as a vibrant, purpose-driven space where our community can come together to learn, create, celebrate and grow. Located in the heart of Westlake, this revitalized facility will spark connection, fuel opportunity and serve as a hub for education, the arts and community life.
A VISION TAKES SHAPE
We’ve taken the first big step — The Smith Mountain Lake Center has signed a letter of intent to purchase Westlake Cinema. This marks a major milestone in transforming the beloved local theater into a vibrant space for learning, entertainment and community connection. We’ve launched a fundraising campaign to support the renovations and future programs that will bring this vision to life. Community events are planned throughout 2025 — stay tuned and stay involved!
At left: SML Center board member Vicki Gardner (left) and Westlake Cinema manager Amanda Martin (right) join Matt Karris (center left), president of the SML Center Board, and Ronald L. Willard II, vice president of The Willard Companies, as they sign the letter of intent.
TESTIMONIALS
Community support is at the heart of this project. Hear why local leaders believe The Smith Mountain Lake Center will be a game-changer for our area — and why they’re excited to help make it happen.
Have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Send your video or written testimonial to SmithMountainLakeCenter@gmail.com and let us know why you support the Center. Videos should be less than 30 seconds, filmed in landscape (horizontal) format, and submitted as .mp4 files.
Our local community has a real opportunity to enhance the quality of life for this region by developing The Smith Mountain Lake Center. This facility will not only provide a state-of-the-art performance venue for theatrical and and musical performances, but will also provide meeting spaces, conference rooms, workspaces with computer terminals, banquet spaces, and educational opportunities that currently don't exist locally.JACK PHILLIPS
Smith Mountain Lake Center Vice President
We live in a beautiful community of mountains and water, but what truly makes our community beautiful are the people. What better way to build strength of community than to connect the people? The SML Center will do just that. From higher education to arts to places where businesses can connect, where you can meet your neighbor, meet new friends, see old friends, it will happen at The SML Center, and I'm excited to support it. I'm excited to watch it grow and watch our community grow.JOANNA GRUVER
Owner of Jo & Co Jewelers, Community Supporter and Philanthropist
I've arranged scores of meetings and events at SML, some for up to 300 people. Finding an available location was always a daunting task. The SML Center will provide just such a space. Just imagine the opportunities for arts enrichment!JERRY HALE
SMLC Board Member, Community Activist & Volunteer
Younger and younger families are considering Smith Mountain Lake as a location for their vacation and quite often their full-time homes. A facility like The Smith Mountain Lake Center, a place for cultural enrichment, entertainment, education and community-building activities, will be a tremendous selling point for our region for those families. That, in turn, drives the kind of economic growth that leads to fine dining, thriving small businesses, and other exciting opportunities for all who live or visit here.JADA TURNER
Real Estate Professional