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UPDATE ON THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE
Glen Coulson and Lance Chilton provided a presentation regarding an update on the Downtown Community Theatre fundraising initiative. Mr. Chilton noted that the community has responded positively to Community Theatre Fundraising strategy. He feels that there is much enthusiasm, commitment and energy towards the project, as it will provide a home for Barrie’s creative community, increase property values and generate positive economic growth in the downtown core. Mr. Chilton stated that $288 000 has been confirmed in donations to date and that the Committee is in the final stage for the naming rights for the theatre with an agreement principle in place that would bring the fundraising efforts to 61% of their goal.
Mr. Chilton announced that donations of $100 000 each had been received from the Downtown BIA and Angela Baldwin and Mark Jepp. Janet Kemp, Chair and Craig Stevens, Managing Director of the Downtown BIA presented Mayor Lehman with a cheque in the amount of $100,000 and she expressed the importance of the theatre as a major attraction in the downtown. Angela Baldwin also presented Mayor Lehman with a cheque in the amount of $100,000 and observed that the theatre will be a great stimulus for economic renewal.
In closing, Mr. Chilton expressed his appreciation to the campaign champions and extended a fundraising challenge on behalf of the Barrie Advance to all of the local media outlets. He commented on the support of the steering community and community. Mr. Chilton invited members of the community to contact him if they would like to become involved in the project.
Mayor Lehman congratulated the Fundraising Committee and extended his appreciation to the Downtown BIA, Mark Jepp and Angela Baldwin and the many other donors for their commitment and support of the Community Theatre.