Our annual Marquee Event concert in March isn’t just our most important annual fundraiser, it’s one of the biggest such events anywhere in the area. If you’ve ever attended one of these shows, you know what a special time it is. What you probably don’t know is the way the community comes together to make it possible for us to realize the profits that help us to continue our programs and services for women living with the effects of intimate partner violence.
This year’s show—our fourteenth!—on March 6, with country/bluegrass stars High Valley, was another wonderful evening. Lead singer Brad Rempel was so gracious, staying after the show to greet delighted fans and sign autographs.
We know the tickets are a little pricier than some, and it would be easy to assume they cover all our expenses and generate extra revenue. The reality is much different. Ticket sales at the theatre usually cover the cost of booking the band with maybe a little left over for other expenses like promotional materials and some theatre fees. Then, donations from our generous local sponsors allows Women’s Resources to benefit from the proceeds. Without our sponsors, we would be hard put to achieve a profit, and we are very grateful for their continued support.
A dedicated group of volunteers sets up the dressing rooms, put signs on the seats that were sponsored through donations, sell raffle tickets and help with clean-up after the show. The wonderful Linda Brown of iPInky Swear, which recently morphed into Pinky & M.E., has been our stage manager almost from the beginning of our Marquee Events, keeping everything on track and ensuring the performers feel cared for. Outstanding local photographer Kim Magee volunteers to take pictures throughout the night; we are so fortunate to have such wonderful, talented people on our team!
All of the local media who provide sponsorship give us far more than we spend with them on ads. We’re so grateful to Y91.9 FM, KX105 Country, Global Peterborough, Canoe FM, The Lindsay Advocate and Kawartha Promoter. The folks at Y91.9 Radio even loaned us Devin Bellinger who was a terrific emcee.
For years, Scotiabank, Lindsay, has sold Marquee Event tickets for two weeks before they go on sale to the public. In an even more generous gesture, if the branch sells $3,000 worth of tickets, the bank matches it with a donation of $3,000.
Local businesses also step in with lovely touches that help make the Marquee Event truly memorable. Brouwer’s Bake Shop in Downeyville provided delicious treats, including cookies decorated with the band’s album art along with wraps, salads and cinnamon buns – but their specialty is cupcakes. Kent Florist, a longtime supporter of our organization, not only came in as a Community Builder Sponsor but also donated two fresh flower arrangements in purple cowboy boots and a striking artificial arrangement (also with cowboy boots) for promotional photos. Wow!
We are always touched by surprising gestures, as when Wesley Found from Executive Sponsor Linborough Properties, donated his meet-and-greet passes back so others who wouldn’t normally be able to afford them were able to attend.
There are many other individuals and organizations who help make the Marquee Event not just possible, but a success for Women’s Resources and the fans who attend. Please make a point of shopping local and thanking our sponsors for their continuing support.
Every Marquee Event show offers a rare chance to see top-name, Canadian acts in the beautiful FLATO Academy Theatre, with their friendly, helpful staff. The Theatre is much smaller than the kinds of venues these artists normally play and it’s always a great experience! Watch for the announcement of next year’s performer, and be sure to get your tickets early!
By Nancy Payne
