Holden’s Paragon Fundraiser raises over $2,000 with help of local talent

A fundraiser held at the Paragon Theatre on Sunday in Holden was an outstanding success with major local talent taking to the stage, all stealing the show with their various types of entertainment.

In all, $2,033 was raised to help replace stolen equipment from an earlier break and enter at the theatre. That included $450 at the door, $160 for the silent auction, $1,350 for the adopt-a-seat sale, and $72 at the concession.

Holden entertainers included Central Singers, Sandra Olson, Steve Neudorf, Meghan Schiewe, Cheryl Laxdal, and Yves LaCroix. Morley Knudslien (Ryley), Karen Nedzielski (Innisfree), and Tom Lichak (Daysland) came from out of town to perform as well, as did Olson’s grandchild Brandon (Leduc).

The Silent Auction included three paintings donated by Sandra Olson and a stained glass stepping stone donated by Sandra Perkins. Olson wrote above her paintings on display: “Thru’Out My Art, Kind Spirits Are Watching Over You…Look Close…You May Find Me…” Patrons could be seen looking closely into the paintings to find the images hidden within.

Organizer Dave Maruszeczka welcomed everyone to the concert and thanked the performers, while encouraging all to participate in the fundraisers in the foyer during the intermission.

The object of the fundraiser was to replace camera and other equipment stolen during a break-in about two months previously. “We’re looking at (obtaining) grant funding for that, too,” he said, and the concert was a way of matching and/or augmenting that amount.

As well, donation boxes that had been placed around the village have already yielded $1,000 so far, he said, towards the theatre’s replacement of the equipment.

“So, I’m hoping we’ll be well on our way,” he said. He acknowledge the help from an anonymous donor who gave funds to tide the theatre over until funds could be raised.

“He wanted the movies and theatre back as fast as we can do it,” explained Maruszeczka. “We’re on a track in November to be showing movies and (doing) other things.”

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Patricia Harcourt
Editor