Memorial show brings in money for St Leonard's Hospice

Two shows held at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in memory of long-time volunteer and supporter, Joan Sadler, have helped raise over £3300 for the charity.

A close friend of Joan’s, Mike Grimes, today joined the theatre’s booking director, Susie Young, in handing over a cheque for £2641.98 to Annie Keogh, fundraiser for St Leonard’s Hospice, which joins £613 in donations collected on the evenings of the two concerts held earlier this year.  The proceeds from the ticket sales were shared equally between the hospice and Joseph Rowntree Theatre.

“Joan would have been absolutely delighted to know that so much money had been raised in her name – it is a perfect tribute to a wonderful lady who spent so much of her life fundraising for these two great causes,” comments Mike.  “Joan always said that she wanted a memorial concert filled with her favourite performers, but she had so many that we had to have two separate nights to accommodate them all!”

Organised by musical director, Don Pears, the concerts featured performances from many of Joan’s favourite shows and musicals by groups including York Opera, New Earswick Musical Society, York Philharmonic Choir, York Light Opera, York Musical Theatre and Rowntree Players, to name just a few.  The Brass Band concert featured the Shepherd Group Concert Band and the York Railway Institute Band.

“Joan spent countless shows here at the theatre either duty managing, supporting the theatre and the groups who perform here, or sitting in her favourite seat in the audience,” says the theatre’s chair of trustees, Dan Shrimpton.  “We’ve been entrusted with her British Empire Medal, which is on display in the foyer as a tribute to Joan.”

Annie Keogh, corporate fundraiser for St Leonard’s Hospice was delighted to accept the cheque: “This donation is a very fitting tribute to Joan’s energy and enthusiasm for life; Hospice care is about helping our patients have as full a life as they can, right through to their last days.  Thank you to everyone involved in raising such a great sum for our work.”

ENDS

 For further media information or photographs, please contact:

Jay Commins

PR Director, Joseph Rowntree Theatre

Tel:         01904 500698

Email:    jay.commins@jrtheatre.co.uk