Fundraising

FUNDRAISING for the IT equipment
The major financial project for the theatre is to replace the ageing IT equipment. It is incredible how much has been raised in extra donations over the last few months from the Friends, so THANK YOU for your support in this. We have already given £4,000 in March to start the Phase 1 work and following the appeal with the membership renewal, a further £2,000 has just been provided to the theatre. This means that the Eastgate can now secure the matched funding from the Common Good Fund – amazing! Caroline Adam (General Manager) has written to the Friends Committee to express her thanks for your generosity. (The letter will be on the Friends notice board and available at the AGM). The theatre is already using new PC’s, laptops, printers and software, resulting in a huge improvement in the day to day life of the Eastgate.

OTHER FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Thanks to everyone who supported the QUIZ NIGHT last year. The variety of organisations represented made it a very successful social evening, as well as raising funds for the theatre. With a good raffle from prizes donated by Friends, bar profits and the ticket sales, nearly £500 was raised.

Grateful thanks to the excellent quizmaster, George Davidson, as well as to the hard working staff at the Eastgate for their contribution to the evening, even though their team didn’t win!

SANTA’S GROTTO Great fun for the kiddies and we raised £260

RECENT DONATIONS TO THE EASTGATE FROM FRIENDS..........

BOILER REPLACEMENT Just before Christmas, there was a major issue with the boiler. This required urgent fixing, so the Friends stepped in and provided £3000 to get it fixed. We can't have a cold theatre can we?!

NEW TABLES
The theatre recently requested funds to replace the tables used in the Studio and for other events. They had been become worn and broken, so a good use of Friends funds in ensuring the theatre has the best equipment for its customers!

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT With the class of performances getting better and better, the theatre wanted to upgrade some of its technical equipment. This includes speakers and mikes to aid the performers and ensure the audience experience is first class too. Friends have recently donated funds for the purchase of this equipment.

DISHWASHER Yes, the old dishwasher in the cafe finally gave up the ghost! An expensive and robust model was required as it gets heavy use, so Friends have obliged in order to keep the cups and cutlery shining!

CREATIVE & OUTREACH
The Eastgate has been involved in various outreach programmes, it isn't just about events in the building. So Friends are delighted to assist these wherever possible as it does spread the reach of the arts into the wider Communnity. Our support recently has included the creative work 'Giants in the Forest' at Glentress (see the picture of a scary giant made as part of this scheme!). Also 'Fetlock Deep', with a horse theme, culminating in terracotta warrior style horses being made.