Rosebud Centre of the Arts invites friends to join in The Harvest

Laureen F. Guenther
Times Contributor

 

When Richard and Lois Haskayne gave a million dollars in 2014, to retire Rosebud Centre of the Arts’ (RCA’s) mortgage debt, their giving had only begun.
“They also are very interested in helping us take a step forward,” said Paul Muir, Rosebud School of the Arts’ (RSA’s) education director. So the Haskaynes made a new promise: ‘we’ll match anything that’s donated in 2015, dollar for dollar, up to $250 000.’
“If we (raise $250 000), it actually means $500,000,” Muir said. “That’s a record-breaking fundraising year. It’s so generous. We’re so grateful.
“Lois Haskayne is also being blessed because she knows she’s blessing the community that she grew up in.”
The Haskaynes will match donations to all RCA and RSA projects.
“If someone wants to donate $1,000 to the scholarship fund, that $1,000 will still go to the scholarship fund. An additional $1,000 will go to the discretionary fund as part of the matching campaign,” Muir explained. “You’re going to bless the scholarship fund, but you’re also going to bless the rest of the organization.
“If someone donates a car (through Donate a Car Canada) in the name of Rosebud School of the Arts, we’ll get that $75 donation, but even that will get matched by the Haskaynes’ generosity.
“The hope is that we’ll be able to do some of those things we’ve put off for so many years, like some long-overdue repairs on our 100-plus year-old buildings. It’s an exciting time.”
Muir also hopes The Harvest will encourage donors to build up the scholarship fund, which directly affects students deciding to enrol or continue their studies. He’s grateful that Calvista, an accounting firm, has offered two new RSA scholarships.
As of mid-May, RCA donors had given $86,000, which the Haskaynes matched, to become $172,000. RCA is celebrating with silo-shaped displays, raising grain as donors keep giving, and honouring donors with immediate tax receipts and thank yous.
Muir invites people considering donating to talk with him or Adam Furfaro, RCA’s executive director, or Jenny Matechuk in Development and Donor Relations.
“We love it when we get to get to know our donors, because they’re investing in us,” Muir said. “We certainly want to get to know them too and invest in them as well.”
You may also donate directly at 800-267-7553 or www.rosebudtheatre.com.
RSA students are like “seeds being planted in the rich fertile soil” of RSA, Furfaro wrote in an e-mail. “They need care, water, sunlight and a whole lot of prayer,” from parents, staff, patrons, donors, and the entire hamlet. Then they’re sent out “to be food and salt and light to the world.”
“You’re not just donating to a theatre. You’re donating to an organization that’s pouring their love, investment and resources into young people and making a difference in their lives,” Muir said. “We all feel so honoured and humbled to get to be shepherds and mentors of those hearts for a period of time. It’s an incredible responsibility.”