News Archive
April 10, 2008, Saskatoon --- The Frank & Ellen Remai Fund for Persephone Theatre, managed by Saskatoon Community Foundation, is now worth $2.3 million thanks to donations from The Remai Foundation and Canadian Heritage.
Persephone Theatre Endowment Fund reaches $2.3 million
On March 26, 2008, Canadian Heritage announced a second grant of $337,463 to be added to the fund. To date, Canadian Heritage has contributed $820,755.04 to the fund and The Remai Foundation has donated a total of $1.5 million.
Saskatoon Community Foundation manages investment of the fund, with income from the fund supporting the ongoing operating costs of the theatre.
Saskatoon Community Foundation worked closely with Persephone Theatre to secure two grants from Canadian Heritage to match donations from the Remai Foundation. The first grant was announced in 2006; this is the second.
“Saskatoon Community Foundation congratulates the Government of Canada for helping Persephone Theatre create long-term, financial sustainability," said Trevor Forrest, Executive Director of Saskatoon Community Foundation. “The Government’s endowment matching program, along with donations from The Remai Foundation will assist Persephone build a reliable stream of income that will help them create and deliver performing arts to our community for years to come."
“These past two years have been incredibly exciting for Persephone,” said Sheldon Born, General Manager of Persephone Theatre. “Mrs. Remai through the Remai Foundation has been extremely generous and the Saskatoon Community Foundation has been a great strategic partner who helped us to secure these grants.”
"The generosity of the Remai Foundation and Canadian Heritage will enable Persephone Theatre to continue with its youth programming and to mount main stage productions that are interesting, challenging and fun." added Nicki Kiteley, president of Persephone Theatre board of directors.
Saskatoon Community Foundation is one of 163 community foundations across Canada. Community foundations build and manage permanent endowments to support local charities. Saskatoon Community Foundation’s endowment reached $17 million in 2007 and the Foundation made grants of $800,000. wwwSaskatoonCommunityFoundation.ca
Founded in 1974, Persephone Theatre, a not for profit-registered charity, started out small and has grown into a major force in both the city’s and the region’s theatrical life. The new Persephone Theatre recently opened at its River Landing location, 100 Spadina Crescent East.
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For more information:
Trevor Forrest
Executive Director
Saskatoon Community Foundation
(306) 665-1768
Sheldon Born, General Manager
Persephone Theatre
306.384.2126.Ext 223
