VALDOSTA — Following Sept. 11, 2001, movie theatres did their part by raising money to help the victims’ families.

Fifteen years later, the Georgia Theatre Company continues this legacy with its annual Cinema for a Cause, with proceeds going to Valdosta Police Department Shop with a Cop program, Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center and Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Money raised by the company’s Valdosta Stadium Cinemas, 1680 Baytree Road, will go toward the three organizations.

On Sunday, Oct. 16, 100 percent of ticket and concession sales go to the organizations. Tickets may be purchased through Sunday.

The concept started with the nationwide Victims Benefit Day at the Movies following the events of 9/11. On Sept. 25, 2001, movie theatres across the U.S., including Georgia Theatre Company theatres, raised more than $5 million for 9/11 victims and their families, according to the theatre company.

“William Jenkins Stembler, the grandson of the predecessor company’s founder, William K. Jenkins, wanted to continue the practice of giving back to the community,” according to Georgia Theatre Company, “and on a Tuesday in September 2004, the first Film & Food for a Cause event was held at Glynn Place Cinemas in Brunswick, Ga., and at Island Cinemas on St. Simons Island, Ga.”

The first event’s success led to the company including more of its theatres in subsequent years. The event is now called “Cinema for a Cause.”