COMMUNITY HALL & ARTS CENTRE

Donate NOW to the CHAC fund

Help build the CHAC Endowment Fund December is a busy time of year on Bowen. It offers many splendid opportunities for our community to come together, to celebrate in song, to join in dance or to be entertained by the many talented neighbours, with whom we share the island. Our craft fairs, choir concerts, theatrical performances and other assemblies all draw us together to revel in a group experience of our vibrant culture. But we are a growing community, with limited and often inadequate venues. This makes it more and more challenging to achieve that connection so important to our collective sense of identity. To ensure our community spirit is nurtured and can continue to thrive, there are many who are dedicated to realizing the dream of opening a civic centre where we can all meet and mingle. From developing a strategy, to securing financing, to designing plans, there's much to be done. Luckily, there's also no shortage of islanders who want to make it happen. The Community Hall and Arts Centre (CHAC) committee of the Bowen Island Arts Council has created one effective way in which individuals can forward the vision of a flourishing centre for all residents. It's an Endowment Fund that was set up last year through the Vancouver Foundation and the BC Arts Renaissance Program. Once a community centre flings open its door, interest from the Endowment will help offset costs and help ensure the operation of the facility is financially viable. The opening balance of the account, established one year ago, was $100,000. That sum was reached when the community donated $50,000, a sum that was matched dollar for dollar by the Vancouver Foundation. Administered by the Bowen Island Community Foundation, the fund has already earned interest of approximately $2500, which will be reinvested. And the CHAC committee has been working to grow the fund in 2008. But they are again turning to the people of Bowen to ask them to invest in arts and culture. Tax receipts are available for donations, but in order to appear on this year's income tax return, contributions must be received before the end of the 2008. Please consider a gift to the Endowment Fund. It's like giving twice, because each dollar contributed will be matched. The investment will help create a legacy that will reap benefits for years to come. To contribute, please write and send a cheque to BIAC (Bowen Island Arts Council), Box 211, Bowen Island, BC, V0N 1G0. Or submit a donation online. For more information, contact BIAC at .