NFLT Fundraiser a Huge Success!

Submitted by NFLT | Dec 01, 2021

“To all members and fans of North Frontenac Little Theatre: Please help us get back on our feet and on with the show!” And with those few words, community response came fast and furious – and overflowing with generosity.

As with many businesses and not for profit organizations, Covid 19 had affected NFLT's well-being and left their coffres next to empty. Not only were performance revenues nonexistent, but additional expenses surrounding the theatre group’s transition into the Oso Community Hall were taking a toll and were threatening the security of the beloved Little Theatre.

Enter the passionate NFLT Executive who drew confidence, strength and direction from the success of the 2007 “Raise the Roof” Fundraiser organized by veteran NFLTer, John McDougall.

With the Township of Central Frontenac being totally supportive, and following McDougall’s winning format of the 2007 fundraiser, Art Holloway and Jan Levitt took on the roles of house managers enacting Covid protocol and conducting sales of 50/50 tickets and various door prize draws. Angela Cowdy agreed to organize a Silent Auction. Sandy Robertson handled refreshments enlisting the help of Anne Howes, Andrea Duggan and Tom Corneil. Entertainers fell into place effortlessly: the Perth based Mike Erion Jazz Project, NFLT matriarch, Pamela Giroux, local folk rocker Marc Giroux, NFLT keyboard player and part time comedian, Adam Parker and finally the Cardinal Café’s Rob and Nancy Moore. (Rob took on the role of Emcee as well, and truly charmed the crowd with his masterful presence and hilarious antics).

With Jeff Siamon setting up appropriate lighting and Brian Robertson and Donna LaRocque arranging theatre flats and photo displays, the stage was set!

And the rest will most certainly go down in the annals of NFLT history! The Oso Hall’s mandated capacity of 60 guests only was reached almost immediately, in spite of event cancellation threats due to Covid scares.

Silent Auction donors and NFLT patrons demonstrated an unbelievable outpouring of support with donations of hunting gear, snowmobile suits, tools, pieces of art and generous monetary offerings.

With the newly installed theatre lights enveloping the audience in a warm embrace, the public (clearly enjoying their first live event in too long a time), opened their hearts – and pocketbooks – all in support of a little theatre. A Little Theatre that has persevered for over forty years, and thanks to the huge success of this “On with the Show” fundraiser, will be able to continue to do so onwards and upwards. Thank you all sincerely for believing in us!