NAC Foundation
“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 NAC performances over the years.
Thanks to The Student Young Company, a student group working with NAC theatre professionals to create theatrical productions performed at local high schools, Gerry was introduced to National Arts Centre productions as a teenager. He was soon hooked. Seeing the arts performed in such a professional and exciting way marked the beginning of his long and fulfilling association with the NAC.
Growing up in Ottawa, Rebecca was able to attend National Arts Centre performances in person. She has fond memories of walking the short distance from Lisgar High School to see French theatre productions in the afternoon. Gerry, a native of Almonte, Ontario, began attending performances after he moved to Ottawa. Soon after, he started to work at the NAC while attending university part time. The Graces met at Carleton University and, right away, attending performances and other NAC functions became second nature.
In 2008, Gerry retired from the National Arts Centre after 33 years, including 20 years as the NAC’s archivist. Rebecca, a former French teacher, continues to work as a public servant. Today both attend as many performances as they can – NACO, dance, French and English theatre and NAC Presents.
Gerry and Rebecca both understand how vitally important the arts are. They also know that the outstanding performances on the NAC’s stages do not come without cost and commitment. That’s why they volunteer at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala, and it’s also why they have chosen to remember the Foundation with a charitable gift in their Wills. For them, it was an easy yet effective way to give back – and to say thank you.
They want their future gift to help the NAC continue to do what it already does so well – inspire new creation, provide opportunities for up and coming artists, preserve the NAC’s history for future generations, and enable outstanding productions to take place year after year. The Graces were inspired by the National Arts Centre Foundation’s commitment to good stewardship and support of the performing arts across Canada.
Won’t you join Gerry and Rebecca Grace and remember the National Arts Centre Foundation by creating your own legacy gift? Your charitable gift can be for any amount and you may direct it to any area of the NAC’s work you wish. Alternatively, you may leave your gift undesignated, knowing that it will be used wisely, where the need is greatest. Your estate can also benefit from the charitable income tax receipt that your gift will generate.
Thank you, Gerry and Rebecca, for your years of dedicated support and for your thoughtful and most generous future legacy gift.
