For Immediate Release

For Immediate Release

Rosebud School of the Arts Board Chair Jason Knibb (l)  and Calgary philanthropists Lois and Dick Haskayne inspect progress on new 10,000 square foot Rosebud Centre.

Haskaynes throw support behind Rosebud Expansion

Calgary philanthropists give major boost to rural Alberta community arts project

Rosebud, Alberta (June 18, 2010) – Rural roots run deep in Alberta, just ask Dick and Lois Haskayne.

With a $100,000 commitment to the new Rosebud Centre expansion project in Rosebud, the noted Calgary philanthropists are thrilled to be investing in the future of a community where they have roots.

Lois Haskayne (nee Kenney) grew up west of Rosebud in the hamlet of Redland and has fond memories of church, school, families and community events in Rosebud. A little further south in the town of Gleichen, Dick Haskayne honed his business basics working in his father’s butcher shop. Throughout their lives, the Haskayne’s have supported arts and education initiatives.”The arts, music, drama, poetry, dance and prose are food for the soul,” notes Lois. “Without it we it we become a society searching for the meaning of our lives and never finding it. Rosebud School of the Arts provides this food for all who care, support and participate. We are proud to be part of this wonderful school.”

Rosebud Centre is a 10,000 square foot dining, shopping and meeting/convention space expansion to the current Mercantile Dining Room. The architectural design of an old-time bank and livery stable is in keeping with the living heritage values of Rosebud. The facility will be an integral part of Rosebud’s renowned dining and theatre experience, the revenues of which help support the education and training of theatre artists from across Canada.

Rosebud School of the Arts Board Chair Jason Knibb is grateful for the Haskayne’s support: “Over the years we’ve come to know Dick and Lois and their roots in this area. They know what life is like in rural communities and they have big hearts for arts, education and the development of youth. Their support of this project is a boost for Rosebud and more importantly is an investment in the future of arts and education in Alberta.”  

According to Executive Director Bob Davis, the total cost of the project is $5 million of which just more than $4 million has been raised to date. “We’ve set a goal to raise the remaining $1 million by the end of 2011. This announcement is a big step toward reaching that goal.”

As an impetus for others who share their passion for rural community development, the arts and education, the Haskayne pledge is designed as a matching gift. For every privately donated dollar donated to the project, the amount will be matched (or doubled) up to $100,000.

For more information about how to make a pledge or support Rosebud, contact Bob Davis @ (403) 677.2350 of via email bobd@rosebudtheatre.com

Interviews with Dick or Lois Haskayne, or Jason Knibb are available upon request. 

About Rosebud Theatre

The picturesque country hamlet of Rosebud is located about 1 hour (100 km) northeast of Calgary. Rosebud is home to one of Alberta’s largest theatre companies and has gained an international reputation as a premiere Canadian destination for high quality live theatre. In the past few years, Rosebud Theatre has received multiple awards including Travel Alberta’s “Alberta Pride” ALTO award, the “Rural Tourism Champion”award and the Rozsa Award. Annually, more than 40,000 patrons enjoy the “Rosebud Experience” of professional theatre, complemented by unique dining, art galleries, museums and shopping. Rosebud is also home to Rosebud School of the Arts, a post-secondary educational institution that offers conservatory training in theatre and music to students, many who advance to perform in productions

by Rosebud Theatre. Box Office: 1-800-267-7553 www.rosebudtheatre.com.

-30-

For information, interviews and/or hi-rez photos, please contact:

Mr. Bob Davis, Executive Director, Rosebud Theatre (403) 677-2350 bobd@rosebudtheatre.com

Mr. Neil Bousquet, APR, PR, Rosebud Theatre (403) 256-8834 neil.bousquet@prwizard.ca