Prince George Daily News: Miracle Theatre breaks fundraising record with Halfway There
Aug 19, 2019

Prince George Daily News: Miracle Theatre breaks fundraising record with Halfway There

They set a lofty goal last fall and this spring blasted right past it.

Anne Laughlin and Ted Price wanted to raise $55,335.58 with this spring’s Miracle Theatre production of Halfway There. That amount would bring Miracle Theatre’s charitable fundraising total to $200,000.

Their production of Halfway There raised a total of $84,039.45.

“Previously Miracle Theatre’s highest donation was $52,144 for local cancer clinic equipment,” said Producer Anne Laughlin. “We were pleased with that total, but for us $84,000 is just jaw dropping.  That’s growth of 61 per cent.”

Proceeds from the play will launch the new Children of Prince George Fund under the trusteeship of the Prince George Community Foundation. The Foundation will establish an endowment to provide ongoing grants to local non-profits addressing the needs of children.

Having donated the proceeds from four plays to local charities in just over three years Miracle Theatre has become an established player in the Prince George arts scene.  Each season theatre professionals Price and Laughlin donate their services to contract actors from across Canada, bring them to Prince George, and lead them through six weeks of rehearsals and performances.  All proceeds from the productions are then given to local non-profits.

Price said that Miracle Theatre’s financial goal with Halfway There was to raise just over $55,000.  “We liked that number because it would mean that Miracle Theatre would have contributed $200,000 to local charities over the previous 38 months,” said Director Price. “We never imagined topping that goal with an additional $29,000.”

A year ago a spokesperson for the Community Foundation contacted Laughlin and Price to ask about donating their next production to start an endowment. Laughlin explains they were very receptive.  “Ted and I are keen on endowments because they never stop giving,” said Laughlin. “The money raised will be kept safe in perpetuity, and every year the annual interest and investment earnings will be awarded to those helping our local children.” Price adds: “For us an endowment is a money tree.  Every year it grows money to help others.  And year, after year, the tree and its money crop just keep growing more and giving more as others contribute to it.”

Article Credit: Prince George Daily News