New $300,000 gift to the Performing Arts Centre
At one year into the launch of the Encore! campaign for the Fredericton Performing Arts Centre, Fredericton Playhouse Inc. has reached 95% of its goal of raising $10 million!
What’s even more impressive is that almost all of the support has come from New Brunswick individuals and families.
One of those families that stepped forward is Laurie and Glenna Savage. The Laurie Savage Family Foundation has given $300,000 to the Encore! campaign!
This generous gift to the campaign will support the installation of a large piece of public art that will span two floors, from the top of the feature staircase at the second-floor lobby up to the third level of the Performing Arts Centre. Visible from both lobbies as well as from outside on King and Regent Streets, this space will be commissioned through a national art competition.
Laurie and Glenna are no strangers to supporting good causes in the region. Laurie grew up in the village of Stanley, outside of Fredericton, and gave funds to build the village’s community resource centre and food bank, and he donates ten bicycles each year to children in the community. The family has supported the Fredericton YMCA, Beaverbrook Art Gallery and many other endeavors in the community.
Laurie founded the very successful Lite Co Inc. in Fredericton and grew the electrical supplies business to be the largest independent distributor in the Maritimes before selling it in 2012. Laurie says that his family has always enjoyed the Playhouse in Fredericton, and that it plays an important role in the larger community. “The Playhouse shows and programs are wonderful. I now have a granddaughter in dance who performs on stage there. The new facility will be great for families and for new people coming to the community. It’s a wonderful thing to support.”
Tim Yerxa, Executive Director of Fredericton Playhouse Inc., says that he’s blown away by the support of not only Fredericton residents but many New Brunswickers from surrounding areas. “It’s incredible that we’ve raised almost $10 million almost exclusively from families and individuals right here in New Brunswick. This community is amazing and has come forward to support arts and culture and the growth of a vibrant, inclusive community like never before in the history of our region. This gift from the Laurie Savage family is particularly generous, and it symbolizes how our community members are going above and beyond to help bring a world-class venue to our region.”
If you haven’t yet given to the Performing Arts Centre, you can do so AND name a seat in the Main Hall! Visit our website for more information and to give. Thank you.
