Globe fundraiser gets kick-start from $500K anonymous donation
The next phase of a massive fundraising campaign was launched Wednesday for the redevelopment of Globe Theatre in Regina.
Globe's capital campaign is now open for donations by the general public through a special website (reimaginetheglobe.com). It was also announced Wednesday that an anonymous donor will match public contributions to a maximum of $500,000.
“We are very excited today to kick off our public capital campaign with a matching donation of $500,000 from an anonymous donor,” executive director Jaime Boldt said at a media gathering outside the theatre at 1801 Scarth St.
“This means that the impact of every donation made is doubled. We are so grateful for this donor and their idea to stretch the dollars donated assisting us in gaining momentum towards reaching our campaign goal.”
Renovations to the iconic theatre began in 2020 and are scheduled to be complete by December of 2023 at a projected cost of $34 million. The demolition phase is to conclude at the end of May, at which point construction can begin.
Three levels of government are slated to contribute $26.5 million, with the remainder covered by Globe's fundraising efforts.
Two major donations were announced last fall when local entrepreneurs Andrew and Chantel Maccorquodale contributed $3 million to the project while Gordon Rawlinson, owner of the Rawlco Radio chain, added another $1 million.
Globe Theatre's facilities in the historic Prince Edward Building were subsequently rebranded as Globe Theatre at Maccorquodale Place.
Mainly due to private sponsorships, the organization is already halfway to its goal of raising $12 million through the capital campaign. That money goes toward the remainder of the renovations as well as a fund for the theatre's operation, programming and maintenance.
The new public campaign also allows individuals or businesses to sponsor a seat in the new theatre for $5,000 over a 10-year period. They'll receive a commemorative plaque for the seat.
“The hope for the new Globe Theatre at Maccorquodale Place is that it not only continues to draw patrons to beautiful shows, young people to theatre school, local artists and theatre makers to work in our community and main stage, but also opens itself up to new folks to became engaged in the theatre arts in our city,” added Boldt.
“Downtown Regina is in a revitalization phase, and the Globe plays and important part in that. We are hopeful for the future of Regina's downtown and excited to play a role in creating a vibrant destination spot in the heart of the city in 2024.”