NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS JITTERS? NO WAY! IT’S TOO MUCH FUN TO WORRY ABOUT

We’re happy to report that we’ve been getting some more sponsorships for the fundraising variety show, A Night Before Christmas, being held in support of the Salvation Army Food Bank, next Saturday, December 18th, at the grand old Gravenhurst Opera House. As sponsors of the annual fundraiser, our boys Andrew and Robert are getting excited. It’s the kind of excitement they had as kids waiting for Santa. When they got into the entertainment business here in Gravenhurst, more than a half decade ago, putting on a Christmas event at the Opera House garnered the same anticipation and expectations of the season.....as they once awaited for Santa at hearthside.

They love to stage events and that does go back to childhood when they would put on festivals in the backyard for bored kids in the neighborhood. Attendance was pretty low and the guitars were cardboard. What they were planning then became a reality when they got into high school and started working on Pure Gold, the annual variety show at GHS, a Battle of the Bands, and then when they opened their Muskoka Road business, they decided to go main stage with all the bells and whistles. They’ve had the entertainment bug for decades, and now it’s spread throughout the community......and it’s all for the good of our neighbors, especially the folks at the Salvation Army’s Food Bank, who work so hard to help others in need. We appreciate the work they do each month of the year, to help meet the food requirements.

The first few fundraisers were worrisome because we didn’t have much of a budget to advertise in the local media. We were always able to count on the support of the Gravenhurst Banner to publish our press releases. We would have loved to advertise, and pay our way, but we simply couldn’t have afforded the expense, and then offered a donation. Hundreds of charitable projects work this way, and many are neglectful of thanking the local media for their unyielding assistance. This includes The Moose FM and Cogeco’s Cable 10, both having helped advertise these variety shows over many years. We were paying the Opera House rental fee, and despite being less for a charitable cause, it still took a lot of ticket sales to cover costs, before we could make a donation. It was this year the boys decided instead, to seek business donations to help cover the expenses, and it has made all the difference in the world......the show can go on without worry that a low attendance might diminish the gate, and subsequently the ability to donate at the end of the festivities. Every user group, supporting a charitable organization fears this reality. Andrew and Robert have had quite a few supporters offer ongoing assistance, such as Chamberlains TIM-BR MART, of Gravenhurst, long time supporters of any musical event we stage. Thanks Doug for all your kindnesses past and present. It’s meant a lot to the boys to have Aidan and your support and participation through so many past concerts and fundraisers. Another kind donation to help us offset rental costs of the Opera House came from Sellavision. Sincere thanks from all of the folks putting on “A Night Before Christmas.”

It’s getting close. The kids are working hard to polish their acts, the dancers are raring to go, and our vintage performers are as excited as the youngsters, glad to help out a good cause and, well, join with the neighborhood of a fine town. You can still make a donation to the event, as a sponsorship, which will be acknowledged during the event, being M.C.’ed again by our good friend Fred Schulz. Admission is by cash or food item donation. But folks, if you simply can’t afford either, please don’t let that stop you from attending the event. It’s Christmas. The show is our gift to you.

Hope to see you there!