Magician John Kaplan wasn't the only person on stage to perform a little magic during the first of two sold-out 'Stage Fright' shows on Oct. 3 in Carlyle. The audience at the first of two fundraising performances, hosted by Cornerstone Family and Youth, also witnessed the presentation of a $5,000 donation to CFY on behalf of RBC Royal Bank, and at press time, revenues of "between $3,500 to $4,000," were raised, according to the CFY's School-Age and Youth Coordinator, Jenn Sedor.
CFY School-Age and Youth Coordinator, Jenn Sedor, says, "We couldn't do this without RBC. Their support is so important to our programming. We'd also like to thank the Cornerstone Theatre Group, who stepped up unexpectedly, and Lane and Liam Easton, who gave us an extra Hallowe'en treat with their performance. It was awesome."
Speaking on behalf of RBC, Carol Frecon, General Account Manager, Business and Personal, said, "We're honoured to be here today on behalf of RBC Royal Bank in support of the Cornerstone Family and Youth organization. This organization does invaluable work in our community by offering positive educational and recreational activities for our youth and families within Carlyle and the surrounding area."
"RBC shares the values of this organization. Like Cornerstone Family and Youth, we recognize that our children are full of potential, but sometimes our families and young people need a little extra help and support to succeed and so, for the past three years, RBC has been a proud supporter of this organization."
CFY hosted the events to raise funds to maintain their programs to youth in the area.
"Most of our programming is offered to the community for free, except where we have to pay for resources or facility fees," says Sedor. However, it still has a cost. So somehow, we have to keep the lights on, the doors open, and the staff paid. It's expensive, too. In fact, every time we run a program, it depletes us in energy, cost, and fundraising abilities, so you have to work harder to get your funds back up to keep programs running."
CFY runs both early childhood programming and school-age programming.
"CFY offers recreational and educational programming for families in the Carlyle area," says Sedor. "We really want to help families put a good foot forward with children ages 0 to 5 and we offer support in educational, recreational, and prevention programming. We offer nutrition support, as well as outreach support and social support for moms that may feel lonely and isolated."
"We're also working with Carlyle Elementary School, Gordon F. Kells High School and we'll also be working with elementary grades in Manor School."
"We've really worked hard at growing with the community and now, after nearly 12 years, it's become a fixture in the community. On behalf of CFY, I'd like to thank everybody for coming out. The support of the community is so appreciated and so important."
For more information, please visit www.cfyprograms.com or call 453-2666.
