$100,000 Regent Theatre campaign honours upcoming 100th anniversary

Picton’s Regent Theatre has launched a $100,000 “Celebrate our heritage – Invest in our future”, campaign underscoring the historic building’s 100th anniversary next year, and the theatre as the entertainment heartbeat of Prince Edward County.

This year’s target in member donations is the most aggressive to date for the Regent Theatre Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization that owns and operates the theatre.

“The Regent Theatre is the major cultural centre for the County, and the success of the membership program is critical to providing a stage for films, touring shows and, more importantly, community events that showcase local musicians, dance recitals, art shows and public gatherings,” said Marilyn Toombs, Board Chair of The Regent Theatre Foundation. “We’re excited about The Regent’s future and encourage all members of the community to support it to ensure its continued viability”.

Despite great support from volunteers, members and sponsors, Toombs said the Regent has been struggling for a number of years to meet financial commitments.

“We’re in a very competitive market and need to keep our ticket and rental prices reasonable. As a charitable organization, this means fundraising becomes increasingly critical to our ability to operate. We need to achieve our $100,000 campaign target to meet our financial obligations and maintain the aging infrastructure in this beautiful heritage building.”

She said that with recent changes, the board is confident it has the right team in place, and the right plan for sustainable operations.

“We now need the investment funds and the community’s support to help us implement this plan,” said Toombs.

In response to a recent member survey, The Regent has restructured its membership package to do what members want most: use every member dollar to support the continued operation of the theatre. This year members will get a tax receipt for the full amount of their contribution.

“The message we heard clearly from the majority is that the benefits we were offering in the past weren’t as important as the feeling of contributing, coupled with greater value from the tax receipt,” Toombs adds.

At the basic Regent Supporter level, the annual membership cost is $60 and members receive a charitable tax receipt for their entire contribution. Other benefits include the “What’s On” bulletins announcing events, advance ticket purchases for most HD and live events, and a vote at the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting.

In recognition of the Theatre’s 100th anniversary, members can choose to make a “$100 for 100” contribution which offers the same benefits, and a $100 tax receipt. Full membership details are available online. Returning and new members may purchase a membership directly from The Regent’s website at theregenttheatre.org/membership-form and receive an immediate tax receipt.

Those wishing to donate $250 or more will now be recognized as Regent Theatre Patrons. This program provides special recognition and a tax receipt for the full contribution. Due to the specialized nature of this program, donors should contact The Regent’s Membership Committee, 613-476-8416 x26 for more information on how to donate.