Call for help from Cavalier Theater owner has led to outpouring of support

Lounge needs at least $50,000 in repairs

Jason LaCourse has been a little overwhelmed with challenges he’s facing in his business.  But he’s got plenty of hope now.  

The owner of the Cavalier Theater and Lounge in downtown La Crosse took to social media this week to get feedback from the public on ways to raise thousands of dollars to cover three big surprise repairs to his building.  

Those were a blow, for sure, LaCourse said.

“It’s an unfortunate event,” he said. “We expect these sort of setbacks to happen, just not three large ones at one time.”

But LaCourse says he’s been gratified and humbled at the outpouring of support from the community for his place. 

He’s certain he’ll find a way to raise the, at least $50,000 needed to fix a collapsing brick facade, leaky roof, and a broken water main.  

“We’re optimistic we’ll get through all this and keep moving forward,” LaCrouse said. “My phone and Facebook messenger have been stuffed. I’ve been getting a lot of people contacting me, a lot of people wanting to support and see the Cavalier continue doing what we’re doing.

In a matter of just a few weeks, the Cavalier’s roof sprang a big leak, the water connection to the city broke, and the city’s inspection department threatened condemnation over a collapsing brick facade on the side of the building. 

He took to social media to gain support and was somewhat surprised by the feedback.

“It’s one of those things where I just go about my day and build my business and I guess the impact that’s had on people over the past six years, they remember that, want to come out and help and be supportive,” LaCrouse said. “It’s definitely a humbling feeling to have.”