Drayton Entertainment is challenging theatre-goers to support its future.
The award-winning theatre company recently announced a $15,000 matching funds challenge for its endowment program, sponsored by Scotiabank.
The objective is to grow the pilot program into an annual challenge, which would be further matched by the Ontario Arts Endowment Fund and Canadian Heritage Endowment Fund, thereby quadrupling the value of each donation received by the theatre. The goal is to increase Drayton Entertainment’s endowment fund by a minimum of $250,000 in new donations over the next four years.
“A well-funded endowment is crucial to supporting our current artistic activities, expanding our outreach in the communities in which we operate, and enabling us to break new ground artistically,” says Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment. “It is critical that we protect the sustained support that our donors have made in us over the years, so that we may continue to provide compelling theatrical experiences for our current audiences, and the audiences we’re building for the future.”
“At Scotiabank, we are committed to making a difference in our local communities and our Scotiabank Bright Future program enables us to have an impact at a grassroots level on the communities where we live and do business,” says Christine Stager, district vice president, Ontario central south region, Scotiabank. “We are thrilled to partner with Drayton Entertainment and help support the future of one of Canada’s leading arts organizations, serving local residents and attracting visitors through world-class theatre.”
Endowments are investment pools that permanently hold funds for the purpose of an organization’s future. Organizations have access to the interest earned from their endowment and as the endowment grows, the revenue stream from the interest earned also grows. Drayton Entertainment’s endowment fund will be used as a stable funding source to subsidize production and administration expenses, ensuring ticket prices remain affordable and accessible for years to come.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to build a stronger arts organization, fiscally and artistically,” says Brad Carr, board president for Drayton Entertainment. “It is exciting to imagine all that will be made possible through the generosity of Scotiabank and our loyal audience.”
Tax receipts are issued for the full amount of all donations made to Drayton Entertainment’s endowment fund. Gifts of cash, securities, or a planned gift are all accepted.
Donations may be made online at www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at the box office at any Drayton Entertainment location, or by calling 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
