It took a year to make a dream become a reality, but the 100 Mile Festival of the Arts committee – through its hard work and determination along with the generosity of the fine arts patrons, municipal governments and foundations – has been able to roll a brand new grand piano into Martin Exeter Hall (MEH).
Following the festival in April 2012, some committee members discussed the need for a new piano, and a grand piano was rented for the following two festivals.
A sub-committee was struck in November 2014 and the fundraising began – all avenues of raising money were explored.
Fundraising began with T-shirt sales, followed by requests for support from local businesses, citizens and governments.
In early 2015, the local Royal Bank of Canada gave the committee a wonderful kick-start with a donation of $1,000, says committee co-chair Marilyn Buyar.
The committee was overwhelmed by the support of individuals in our community, as many people donated through the “Buy a Key” opportunity, Buyar says.
A substantial grant was received from The McLean Foundation, followed by grants from The Hamber Foundation and TELUS.
The District of 100 Mile and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) South Cariboo Joint Committee came through with a very generous grant which enabled the purchase of a brand new Yamaha grand piano.
“After almost a year of relentless work on raising funds, we were elated to receive a message through Roy Scott [District of 100 Mile House chief administrative officer] noting the CRD South Cariboo Joint Committee with the District of 100 Mile House had found a way to add to the funds we had raised....
“[We] appreciate the value the Joint Committee and the District place on the arts in our community, which is reflected in their generous financial support for this project.
“Our students will have the immediate benefit of the new piano, and many are looking forward with anticipation to performances at the annual April festival. We are hoping new opportunities for public performances will become available to the citizens in the South Cariboo.”