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Putting heart into the arts

Evening In Paris
Scot Warren

Saanich Legacy Foundation takes fundraising to Paris

If you regularly drive Cedar Hill Road don’t be surprised to find part of the normally staid route transformed into L’Avenue des Champs d’Elysées.

Saanich Legacy Foundation is infusing Cedar Hill Recreation Centre with a little European influence, during An Evening in Paris this Saturday (April 9).

Dancers, artists and performers of all kinds will liven the centre’s café during the kickoff for the Heart of the Arts fundraising campaign.

“Paris, being the city of art, was the theme that we settled on,” said Paul McKivett, president of the volunteer-run Saanich Legacy Foundation. “We’re hoping to provide something different.”

Since 1999 the foundation has fundraised for Saanich-based arts and cultural programs. Through this broad mandate, which also includes working for seniors and the environment, the organization has supported Music in the Park, Goward House Garden Project, Ballet Victoria Outreach Program and the Limelight Youth Art Experience.

Skyla J. and the Vibes, Reynolds secondary school’s R&B band, as well as the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Island Dance Studio will be among the evening’s performers.

A silent auction includes works from Armando Barbon, Paul Bennett and Jan Johnson. Appetizers and desserts are also on tap at the home of the new arts centre, slated to officially open in late spring or early summer.

“One of the main things we’re looking at funding is the artist-in-residence program,” McKivett said. “We’ll bring in a well-known artist in a variety of mediums.”

The plan is to provide in-house instruction for everyone from children through to seniors with the visiting artist program. Obtaining funding for more youth art activities is another key goal.

McKivett says the public event was needed to spark potential donors, as fundraising in today’s economy is tougher than in the past.

“We’re more than willing if an organization doesn’t have charitable status, to provide them with a vehicle with which they can raise money for their public project,” he added.

nnorth@saanichnews.com

An Evening in Paris

What: Kickoff to Saanich Legacy Foundation’s Heart of the Arts fundraising campaign

When: Saturday, April 9, 7-10 p.m., doors at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd.

Tickets: $50/advance, $55 at the door, with $25 tax receipts available.