Campaign News

$2.5 Million Keep IT Live Campaign Launched June 17, 2008

SAINT JOHN, NB - Imperial Theatre launched its second capital campaign in its 14-year history with the announcement they have already reached 50 per cent of their goal. Derek Oland, chair of the $2.5 million Keep IT Live capital campaign made the announcement at the official launch at Imperial Theatre, Tuesday, June 17. “Even precious jewels need to be polished from time to time,” says Derek Oland. “Imperial Theatre is a gem that deserves to sparkle.”

Honourary Chairs, Senator Michael Meighen and renowned soprano Wendy Nielsen officially launched the Campaign.  Other guest speakers included Hon. Herménégilde Chiasson, Lt. Governor of New Brunswick; Hon. Ed Doherty, Minister of Post Secondary Education, Training & Labour; newly elected Mayor Ivan Court; Campaign Chair Derek Oland; Imperial Theatre Board of Directors President, Jacqueline Oland; and Imperial Theatre Foundation President, Lloyd Foote.

Three special guests also in attendance were Jack MacDougall, Don Wishart and Dr. Tom Condon, all prior Imperial Board Presidents and volunteers in the early years of the Theatre’s restoration. Together they bridged the 1982 Fundraiser to the present Campaign by donating a toonie, symbolically recalling the “loose change”, marking the $1 down payment toward the $1,000,000 purchase of the Theatre from the Full Gospel Assembly.

Major campaign donations were acknowledged, including a $250,000 donation from the province of New Brunswick - other contributors are listed in the left column.

Derek Oland addressed attendees as guest speakers listened and four young performer ‘statues’ framed the group on stage.

What the money will do:

Imperial Theatre’s $2.5 million Keep IT Live Capital Campaign will meet Imperial Theatre’s needs today and help ensure continued viability well into the future.

Urgent Capital Needs $1.8 Million

• Replacement of stage house exterior cladding, which is causing serious leaking and internal damage.
• New sound, ticketing and hearing assist systems. 
• New lighting system, seating, stage floor, accessibility, carpeting and air conditioning.

Endowment Fund Growth $700,000

Imperial Theatre Foundation’s $1.25 million endowment provides an annual operating grant to the Theatre. The goal is to build that fund by $700,000, providing an increasing source of revenue, making the Theatre less vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances.

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