$1M gift to the Encore! campaign
A community is built by its people. That certainly rings true for Fredericton, and the family that has been at the heart of community-building in the Capital Region for over 100 years has been the Clark family.
John T. Clark and the J.T. Clark Family Foundation Inc. have made much of what we enjoy in our community on a daily basis possible. Their history of philanthropy spans decades and includes support to numerous organizations, individuals and causes, from the YMCA to the Chalmers Hospital Foundation, the Fredericton Community Foundation, the United Way, Meals on Wheels, Pickleball Courts and so much more.
John is part of a long line of community builders. From his father, Alden to his brother, Richard, to his cousin, David Wilson – and now their families as well - all have given of themselves and of their financial resources in so many ways to advance the well-being of our community. Some might say disproportionately so.
Simply put, John and his family have supported the organizations and programs and infrastructure that make a difference to our very quality of life. And today, his family foundation has made another leadership gift to the future of our region and its citizens.
Tim Yerxa with John T. Clark and Jim Clark at the launch of the Encore! campaign
John and the J.T. Clark Family Foundation Inc. have made a $1 million gift to Fredericton Playhouse Inc.’s Encore! campaign for the new Performing Arts Centre.
Music and performing arts have an incredible ability to captivate, empower and enrich people’s lives. It sparks our imagination and creates new bridges of understanding, and it enhances our health and wellbeing. John knows this very well: his beloved wife Wilma was a singer – it was how she and John met many years ago. Music and live performances were an important part of who Wilma was.
That’s why one of the main theatres in the new Performing Arts Centre will be named Théâtre Wilma Clark Theatre.
Wilma Clark (1929-2019)
“I very much believe in the value that the new Performing Arts Centre will bring to Fredericton and the surrounding region for generations to come. I feel strongly that community members should play a role in building a better community for now and for the future. Honouring Wilma – who loved music and the arts – by naming this space for her, is something we’re so proud to be able to do. She would have loved this new space for our community. I hope we inspire many others to get behind this important project as well.”
This very generous gift from John and his family foundation is a testament to the love and sense of personal responsibility John has for his community and, most especially for his wife, Wilma (1929-2019). He has written the book on philanthropy, and his desire to build and strengthen his community knows no bounds.
We are deeply grateful for John and the J.T. Clark Family Foundation Inc. for this important leadership gift to the Encore! campaign and the Performing Arts Centre.
Join us in creating magic by supporting the Encore! campaign today!
