Persephone benefits from family's generosity
April 17, 2007, Saskatoon StarPhoenix by Jeannette Stewart
A Saskatchewan-born philanthropist pushed Persephone Theatre's $11-million capital campaign closer to completion Monday with a $500,000 gift
Four groups held a press conference to announce contributions from Brett Wilson, a University of Saskatchewan alumnus and Alberta-based entrepreneur who has dedicated much of his time to philanthropy within Western Canada. The groups include Persephone Theatre, the U of S, Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation and Battleford United Way.
"Last time I was at Persephone was on a failed date back in 1978," said Wilson to laughter from the assembled crowd. Wilson said he will spend more time at the new Persephone Theatre, slated for completion in December.
While he's donated to causes such as health care and education, Wilson said culture is an essential component of community building.
Wilson contributed the money along with his father Bill, a longtime Persephone subscriber. Together they will have naming rights to the theatre's second stage, said Bill Thomlinson, chair of the Persephone Theatre capital campaign.
Thomlinson said the second stage will be a flexible, black-box space with seating for up to 100 people. It will be used for a variety of functions, including concerts, opera, recitals, youth and experimental theatre.
The $500,000 gift helps the theatre close in on its capital campaign goal of raising $11 million for new theatre space. It's one of the campaign's largest donations to date.
A little less than $2 million in private gifts is still needed, Thomlinson said. Thus far, the three levels of government have pledged $6 million and another $3 million in private donations has been collected.
Thomlinson said an official name for the second stage is still under development.
He said the theatre wants to recognize a previous $1-million donation from the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation, along with the Wilson gift and those of other private and commercial donors.
Theatre founder, TV actress proud of progress made during 20 years
May 18, 2006, Saskatoon StarPhoenix by Joanne Paulson SP Features Editor
It was an emotional homecoming for Janet Wright, who has not been back to Saskatoon for 20 years.
The co-founder of Persephone Theatre and star of Corner Gas returned Wednesday as honorary chair of Persephone's capital campaign. What she sees today astounds her. (more)
Theatre company launches capital fundraising campaign
May 18, 2006, Saskatoon StarPhoenix by Lori Coolican
Persephone Theatre unveiled architectural drawings for its new $11-million riverbank home Wednesday as the decades-strong theatre company launched its capital fundraising campaign at a downtown hotel.
“A great theatre like Persephone Theatre deserves a great home,” said Industry and Resource Minister Eric Cline, who along with his wife, Pauline, made one of the first private donations to the campaign. (more)
Persephone Launches Building Campaign and Announces Janet Wright as Honorary Chair
May 17, 2006, Saskatoon --- Persephone Theatre Capital Campaign Chair Dr. Bill Thomlinson today announced the official kick-off of Persephone's capital fundraising campaign for the new Persephone Theatre to be built at Saskatoon's River Landing. (more)
Construction may start on Persephone Theatre's New Building in October
September 14, 2006, Saskatoon StarPhoenix by Cam Fuller
Construction could start at the end of October on Persephone Theatre's new building on the riverbank.
“Tenders are just on the verge of going out,” board chair David Gerecke said Wednesday. (more)
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