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An Investment for Tomorrow
June 2, 2023On Thursday, May 11, the National Arts Centre Foundation celebrated a very special group of donors: those who have chosen to support the future of the performing arts by leaving a gift in their Will. Members of that special group—the Emeritus Circle—enjoyed an afternoon tea before watching…
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Donald Meakin — Grateful Memories
April 17, 2023Memory is a wonderful thing, and for Don Meakin the many performances he has enjoyed at the National Arts Centre over the years have enriched his bank of memories tremendously. And he is profoundly grateful. From a young age Don valued creative arts such as painting and writing poetry and,…
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Samantha Wrenshall Plavins – Giving with a Passion
April 17, 2023Samantha Plavins is unequivocal: “I love the NAC and am proud of all it does!” And those heart-felt feelings are based on first-hand experience. Sam was raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario. After graduating from Lakehead University in 1998 with a HBMus. specializing in piano, she moved to…
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Barbara Irving - Follow Your Bliss
May 9, 2022Mythologist Joseph Campbell is perhaps best known for his advice to “follow your bliss”. Barb Irving has done just that by making the performing arts—one of her greatest passions—central to her life. Barb was a graphic designer with the NAC for almost three decades before her retirement…
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Patron, Advocate and Friend
May 27, 2021Over the years, Dr. Shail Verma has evolved from being an occasional attendee at National Arts Centre performances to a committed patron, generous donor, and a strong advocate for the arts. And the NAC could not be more pleased or grateful! Shail came to Ottawa with his family from…
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Gerry and Rebecca Grace – Loyal patrons, loyal donors
December 2, 2020“The shows we’ve seen on the stages of the National Arts Centre are equal to if not better than those we have seen in New York, London, Berlin and other places around the world”. So say Gerry and Rebecca Grace of Ottawa, and they should know, after seeing hundreds of amazing and memorable…
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Jim and Pat Whitehead – Patrons, performers
December 2, 2020It was love at first sight — almost! Jim Whitehead first met his wife Pat almost 80 years ago when they were children. “Pat came to visit relatives in Orangeville, Ontario, where I lived at the time and we became friends.” Years passed, both married other people and, when they by chance…
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Donor profile: Barb Newbegin
December 2, 2020Barb Newbegin says it well: “You have to pay it forward.” That philosophy is why she volunteers and is so generous to the organizations she cares about. It is also why she has remembered the National Arts Centre Foundation with a gift in her Will. Born in Calgary, Barb lived in various…
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Bob and Marian Cumming – Patrons par excellence!
December 2, 2020“We’d be absolutely lost without the National Arts Centre!” And when you speak with Marian and Bob Cumming, you know they mean exactly what they say. The Cummings’ association with the NAC goes back 50 years to its very first performance. Eagerly anticipated, they were delighted by the…
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David and Susan Laister - A happy association
July 29, 2019Forty-six years is a long time. But for David and Susan Laister, it represents years of happy and satisfying association with the National Arts Centre. Originally from the United Kingdom, the Laisters came to Canada in 1969. David was attending Queen’s University, Kingston, on a…
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Daryl Banke and Mark Hussey
July 29, 2019“We love the NAC!” And with their long association and financial support of the National Arts Centre it’s clear that Daryl Banke and Mark Hussey mean what they say! Both Mark and Daryl began attending NAC performances after their move to Ottawa in 2001. They subscribed to the ballet and…
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Brenda Cardillo - Patron Exemplar
July 29, 2019“No question — dull and colourless!” That’s how National Arts Centre patron and donor Brenda Cardillo describes what her life would be without the arts. And she should know. Brenda has been an avid attendee and supporter of the NAC for almost 50 years. She simply cannot imagine what…
