On to Phase 2!
Ring the Bell!!
We are overjoyed to announce that we have reached our initial fundraising goal of $400,000 to support Phase 1 of the Westben Schoolhouse Project!
It may have been dark times, but a whole community of supporters held high the Torch of Possibility! 388 donations were received from donors whose names are now permanently added to the Attendance Board at the Schoolhouse.
We are also thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and to the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group L.E.A.F. Initiative. And a very special thank-you to the Board for their lead donation of $40,000 to get the bell swinging!!
Phase 1 of the West Schoolhouse Project included the acquisition of the West Schoolhouse, along with basic upgrades. Ahead, Phase 2 seeks to increase the public use, safety and accessibility of the space such as accessible washrooms and entrance, box office and storage space so the Main Room can accommodate community gathering more effectively, hospitality services, artist services, etc.
We heartily welcome you to support Phase 2 through a tax-deductible donation. Join us today
Imagine being able to enjoy Westben year-round...
Imagine an exciting and historic place to gather and learn...
Imagine inclusive music and arts programming; Chalk Talks, singing and instrumental ensembles, Schoolhouse concerts, interactive workshops for all ages, and so much more...
Your donation will help us transform this historic learning and gathering space into an accessible community learning hub: a welcoming home for all-ages workshops, friendly rehearsals, Chalk Talks, Schoolhouse concerts, and other creative music appreciation events!
How will this purchase impact Westben?
Westben, as a Centre, is focused on bringing people together through music. Owning the West Schoolhouse fulfills our dream of connecting the many facets of Westben onto a single campus. Located right next door to The Barn, the Schoolhouse supports this “Centre Vision” superbly by offering an ideal space for our year-round, rehearsal hall and a community learning hub.
Meeting many of our immediate needs, we hope that West Schoolhouse will also accommodate and inspire many year-round programs such as Chalk Talks, House Concerts, and eventually, an untold number of services and programs including residencies, performances, life long learning and more! And it brings us that much closer to the Mary West Nature Conservancy just across the road, where we can explore even more connections between nature and music.
How does my contribution help?
In addition to helping Westben purchase the Schoolhouse, the Capital Campaign seeks to support several badly needed improvements to the 130-year-old building and the property to make the building safe for public use.
To date, we have done a number of electrical, plumbing, and air-quality improvements, but we have several large items on the list. These include a drilled well and septic system, parking and safer highway access routes, and foundation work to prevent flooding in the basement.
In time, we also plan to improve accessibility (entrance and washrooms), while improving facilities for gathering, storage, and administrative services. We plan to bring the large room back closer to its original historic design – this will involve restoring the ceiling, replacing the lighting, and re-insulation.
Imagine sitting in that historic room listening to the Westben Steinway grand piano as the summer breezes waft through the open window! What a great way to go back to school!
Three ways to GIVE!
Donate online through our safe ticketing program. Simply select the Capital Campaign & the size of gift you wish to donate.
Mail a Cheque to Westben: PO Box 1413, Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0
Phone the Box Office: 705-653-5508 or toll free 1-877-883-5777
Request a meeting with Rebecca Baptista to discuss tax effective giving strategies!
