Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is thrilled to announce a special milestone from one of Toronto’s most philanthropic families – the Slaight Family, whose contributions will now exceed $2 million.
Ada Slaight, along with Gary and Donna Slaight, will become the largest private donors in the history of Young People’s Theatre with an extraordinary gift that will be announced during the Opening Night of Cinderella (a RATicall retelling) on November 15.
Gary and Donna brought their daughters to YPT regularly while they were growing up and recognized the powerful impact the theatre had on their children. The Slaight Family has given generously to the company and their latest gift of $1 million over the next four years will help sustain YPT into its 50th Anniversary in 2016 and ensure that children and youth in Toronto and the GTA have the opportunity to benefit from the very best in children’s theatre.
In announcing the Slaight Family milestone, YPT Artistic Director Allen MacInnis said: The extraordinary generosity and commitment of the Slaight Family has provided Toronto and the GTA with exceptional theatre created specifically for Young Audiences. Their gift will continue to foster accessibility, creative excellence and educational programming for all Toronto and the GTA to enjoy.”
The Slaight Family has been an unwavering source of support throughout much of YPT’s rich history –not only through their philanthropic efforts but also by playing an active role in the company. Donna Slaight is a former Chair of YPT’s Board of Directors and Gary Slaight has provided YPT with extensive media support and guidance through the former family-owned Standard Broadcasting. An avid patron of the arts, Ada Slaight has supported YPT’s accessibility programs for many years so that all young people can enjoy and learn from the very best in professional theatre.
Gary and Donna Slaight commented: “Donating to YPT is our chance to demonstrate our appreciation for the role the company has played in shaping not only our own daughters’ growth and development but also that of the thousands of children and youth who participate in YPT programs. Our gifts will ensure that long into the future, YPT can deliver the deeply memorable experiences today’s youth have come to expect and rely on.”
Cinderella (a RATical retelling) officially opens YPT’s 2012/13 season on November 15. The evening will be attended by YPT founder and Order of Canada recipient, Susan Rubes and renowned arts philanthropist Joan Chalmers, along with other notable Canadians.
Photo: Matty Burns and Ruth Goodwin.
2012-11-15
Toronto: Slaight Family donation to YPT tops $2 million