Persephone Theatre Receives Generous Gift from the Leggett Family to Support Roof Replacement Project
Saskatoon, Sask. – Persephone Theatre has been battling against the elements for more than a decade, but a gift from a local family will help raise the roof.
With an incredibly generous gift, specifically for roof replacement, from Malcolm and Marilyn Leggett, Persephone Theatre is launching a capital campaign to raise funds for the roof. The Leggett’s have committed to donate $300,000 over three years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – to kick off Persephone’s capital campaign, and are inviting others to join them in the pursuit of a new roof.
Since Persephone has taken its permanent home in the Remai Arts Centre close to 17 years ago, the roof has seen significant leaks and pooling water, often leading to flooding throughout the building, most notably above the stage and within the wardrobe shop.
After years of temporary patching, the roof has come to the end of its useful life, and needs a complete replacement. The project will see the roof replaced in phases, starting this summer with a full replacement of the fly tower – the portion of the roof directly above the Rawlco Radio Hall Main Stage, and its 421 seats – and continuing in two more phases, with the exact dates to be determined.
“We are immensely grateful to Malcolm and Marilyn Leggett for their extraordinary generosity, and commitment to Persephone Theatre, and their investment in our future,” said Breanne Harmon, Executive Director of Persephone Theatre.
“Malcom and Marilyn have been longstanding consummate supporters of Persephone Theatre for more than two decades. Their deep love of Persephone, and the community it serves, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to a vibrant cultural scene in Saskatoon.”
In addition to the Leggett’s generous contribution, Persephone Theatre continues to seek support from the community through its Capital Campaign.
“The Remai Arts Centre is a community asset, used annually by arts and community groups in Saskatoon. Every donation, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of this vital project,” Harmon said.
Persephone Theatre would also like to acknowledge the support of the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural Capital Grant Program. Funding from the city has also been critical in beginning the first phase of construction of the roof.
“The support of both the Leggett’s and the city has helped us get started on this incredible undertaking,” Harmon explained. “In total, we are looking to raise $2 million for the full replacement, and this significant gift from the Leggett’s and the support from the city, are an enormous step in fully realizing this much needed project.”
Individuals and organizations interested in contributing to this Capital Campaign can contact Development Officer Jory McKay to make their own gift to replace the roof, by calling the theatre or by emailing [email protected].
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For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg, Director of Marketing & Communications
306-384-2116 ext. 237
