The people behind building a community
In just a few short years, there will be many names displayed for all to see within the new Performing Arts Centre in downtown Fredericton. Those names will be found in various places – on rooms and spaces, on a donor legacy wall, on seats in the two theatres, and inscribed on walls throughout the venue.
Those names are bridges that connect our past, present and future.
Fredericton Playhouse Inc. decided very early in the planning of the Encore! community campaign for the Performing Arts Centre to recognize the names of every single donor (or a name that the donor chooses to honour) within the new building. This aligns with the mission and values of the non-profit organization: to build community through live performance and to ensure everyone can be included in what we do.
Giving our community the opportunity to join us in this massive project is a wonderful way to weave the very bones of this iconic landmark facility into our region. It truly makes this a venue for everyone in our community, by everyone in our community. And naming pieces of the building for the many citizens who made it possible is a beautiful way to leave a legacy for the near and distant future.
Names on seats and spaces and donor walls and buildings represent a human connection to the architecture of a community, reminding us that every act of giving, regardless of its scale, leaves an indelible mark on the world. At the heart of philanthropy is the desire to make our community better, and to leave a legacy that inspires others to participate as well. In fact, the named spaces in the Performing Arts Centre that were announced early in the campaign have already inspired other generous gifts! Honouring donors through naming fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The stories behind the donations to the Performing Arts Centre
As it turns out, when we talked with community members over the past year about donating to the campaign, we uncovered some very compelling stories. They are the stories of people who care deeply about the value of the performing arts, and who care deeply about the community in which we live.
People like John T. Clark and the J.T. Clark Family Foundation Inc. His dedication to Fredericton can only be surpassed by his love for his late wife Wilma, who adored music and live performances. The Foundation’s gift to the campaign is being honoured through naming one of the theatres the Théâtre Wilma Clark Theatre.
And Lois Walker Gillin, who supported the Encore! campaign because she strongly believes in spaces and programs that help everyone in the community live better. From education to healthcare to performing arts, she invests in projects that make a difference to in the lives of neighbours and strangers alike.
And Greg and Alex Parker, new residents of Fredericton whose names will be on the donor wall in the Performing Arts Centre to honour a gift they made to the campaign. The couple put down roots in the city because of the quality of life it offers, and they believe in investing in spaces and venues that will make our community even more vibrant.
Symbolically, displaying these names in the new Performing Arts Centre (along with many, many more) is important because of the stories behind them. They signify the generosity and caring nature of people in our community and what we can achieve together. Visibly acknowledging donor involvement serves as inspiration to future donors and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller
As we move forward in our campaign to fund this extraordinary addition to our community, we want to thank everyone who has made a financial contribution. Large or small, each gift is an investment in our future as a strong, collaborative, creative, vibrant community.
