Sault Theatre Workshop raises curtain on funds for OFRA

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SAULT THEATRE WORSHOP’S PREVIEW NIGHT GOES TO SUPPORT SENIORS

(October 10, 2012 – SAULT STE. MARIE, ON) Last night was an evening of laughter and great entertainment as residents and staff of The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association (OFRA), along with their friends and families, attended the Preview Night of the Sault Theatre Workshop’s production Inside Out.  The theatre group has kindly donated the $1,117.51 in proceeds from their Preview Night to The Ontario Finnish Resthome’s “Uusi Koti – A New Home” campaign. 

The Uusi Koti Campaign is a $3 million capital fundraising campaign the resthome recently launched to assist in the building of their new seniors independent living apartment building. 

“Receiving this support from the Sault Theatre Workshop is fantastic”, says Todd Slotegraaf, Chair of The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association’s Board of Directors.  “We haven’t officially gone public yet with our capital campaign so, to have them come forward with this gift and acknowledge the need for a new seniors building in our community means a great deal to us.  I’m glad I had the opportunity to go up on stage after the performance to personally thank this talented group of women on behalf of the Finnish Resthome.  I think I speak for everyone when I say it was a truly enjoyable evening.”

Directed by Susan Barber, Inside Out is a bright, witty and wise musical comedy that explores a number of women’s issues with humour, wit and sensitivity.  The story is about a therapy group, headed by a psychologist named Grace (Shelley Gold) and her assistant Betty (Lori Springall).  The group is transformed forever when a new person Dena (Patricia Pulcine), joins the group and winds up being a catalyst for change in the lives of:  Sage (Kyla Becker) a flower child of the ‘80s; Liz (Darla Pirillo) a powerful businesswoman, Chlo (Lorilee Matheson) a gay single mom of a teenage son; and Molly (Sherry Longo), a mother of two young children who’s dealing with weight issues.

Susan’s mother Peggy Barber is a resident of Mauno Kaihla Koti, which is OFRA’s nursing home. “For my brother and I, and for Mum too, moving Mum to any nursing home was an agonizing, sorrow-filled decision. Yet as we come up on almost a year with Mauno Kaihla Koti, we are confident that Mum is in a wonderful place. She is loved there and we all feel like family. She is safe and cared for, yet still has new experiences and adventures. Why?  Because of Mya, Jackie, Derek, Lina and many, many, more. Because of hugs and kisses and patience and humour. I'm happy that I can help the fund-raising efforts of OFRA”, says Susan.

Inside Out launches the Sault Theatre Workshop's 64th season. The play continues through October 20, with wine available during Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows.  Tickets are $20.00 and $18.00 and available at Madonna Optical in the Station Mall or by calling 946-4081.

About The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association:

The Ontario Finnish Resthome Association, a non-profit charitable organization, is a seniors’ residential community comprised of three sites:  an assisted living facility for seniors who require some support with their daily living activities; an independent living facility for seniors; and a nursing home that provides 24 hour access to healthcare services.

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