Celebrating the gifts of women in our community
Women have long been critically involved in charitable work in the community – often unseen and unsung. Nowhere is that more evident than in the benefaction of the arts. From volunteering to philanthropic giving, the women around us in the region have contributed to making culture and the performing arts a vibrant and flourishing sector that benefits us all.
No where is that more evident than in the largest-ever project for performing arts in our region’s history: bringing the new Performing Arts Centre to life.
Catherine Sutherland, Deb Reddon, Mary Dingee Jacobs
Catherine Sutherland is just one of the women in our community who have given generously to the Encore! campaign for the Performing Arts Centre. She says that giving back to the community is a continuation of the work that she and her late husband Gerald have committed to for decades. “Gerald was a great ambassador for Fredericton, and he believed, as I do, that we live in the best city in the world. The new Performing Arts Centre is crucial to our cultural identity as we grow both in size and culturally. It will honour and represent all of us very well. Just as the Playhouse has done, the Performing Arts Centre will open our minds to a new window into the world.”
Catherine has given $50,000 to create the Gerald and Catherine Sutherland Fund to expand programs at the Performing Arts Centre that remove barriers to attend live performances at the venue. “When young people experience for the first time the ballet or orchestra or live theatre, it sparks their imagination and confidence. They wonder if they might be able to do something like that! Education and experiences like these are the keys to future success.”
Catherine says that women “have so much good to give.” “I’ve been nurtured by the most amazing women all my life with their kindness and generosity. These women have made a significant difference in their communities, one unseen, unsung kindness at a time. Now I’m blessed to be able to make a difference as well, and I think it’s important as a woman to do so. It’s crucial for more women to represent our community by becoming involved and giving back whatever we can.”
Deb Reddon agrees. Although she’s only lived in Fredericton for about four years after moving from Guelph, Ontario, she’s generously donated $50,000 to the Encore! campaign, in memory of her brother, Tom Reddon, a long-time, well-loved member of the community.
“Tom loved the arts – especially live music – and he loved this community. Since I’ve been here in Fredericton, I’ve had no trouble understanding why. That’s why I wanted to support this new Centre. The community will be even richer for it. I’m not sure if people who’ve lived here all their lives understand just how special it is for a small community to have this kind of venue and programming. It will really be an anchor for the whole region and will provide enriching experiences to so many people.”
She says that she feels blessed to be able to give to her community through this project and feels it’s a fitting way to celebrate Tom. “I’m very fortunate that things worked out for me and that I can share and give experiences to others. I believe it’s important to share what we have, and this is a wonderful opportunity to do that.”
Mary Dingee Jacobs was a volunteer member of the first board of the Playhouse when it became a non-profit entity in 2000. A lifelong fan of the Playhouse, she’s continually supported the expansion of programs to make music, dance, theatre and comedy accessible to everyone in the community, no matter their circumstance. And, she was one of the first to step forward in the Encore! campaign to make a $25,000 gift to the new Performing Arts Centre.
“I hold the Playhouse and it’s work near and dear. I remember as a young person my parents held a birthday party of mine at the Playhouse to watch Reveen. I carried on that tradition and took my daughter and a group of her friends to Reveen at the Playhouse for her birthday. The Playhouse is a cherished part of our community, and it punches above its weight. Now, as our community grows, it can continue that tradition in an even greater way in the new Centre. I’m very happy to be able to contribute to such an important project in the place I live in and love.”
These are just three stories of many amazing women who have stepped forward to contribute to a project that will help strengthen our community both now and well into the future. We, at Fredericton Playhouse Inc., are so appreciative, and will ensure they are not “unseen and unsung.”
If you would like to give to the Encore! campaign for the Performing Arts Centre, there are many ways to help, including naming a seat for woman (or anyone) you want to pay tribute to. All gifts, including seat naming, may be made through a pledge over 1-5 years.
See details and make a gift online.
Thank you so much.
