The Jean-Louis and Colette Bellemare Family Foundation has donated $100,000 to the Community Fundraising Committee for the Arts & Culture Centre of Cornwall. Jean-Louis and Colette Bellemare founded the first Farm Boy in Cornwall in 1981. Today, there are 26 Farm Boy stores in Ontario. Jean- Louis Bellemare is the Co-CEO of Farm Boy.

Katherine Burke, the chair of the fundraising campaign for the Arts & Culture Centre stated: “We are elated by the major contribution of Jean-Louis and Colette Bellemare which gives the fundraising campaign continued momentum.  We thank them for their generosity to the arts in Cornwall and area.”

The fundraising campaign continues during the summer with committee members contacting potential donors, holding events at the former BMO building, taking part in the Art Walks, and preparing applications for funds.

The next main event will be unveiling the panels at the Benson Centre on Wed. July 24 at 4:00 p.m.  These panels, which list the donors to date, have been funded by the Arts Collective as per their mandate to promote an Arts and Culture Centre in Cornwall.  At this event, Jamie Fawthrop, City of Cornwall division manager parks & recreation, will give an update on the request for proposals for the architectural firm.

From July 24 to September 14, Alan and Audrey Bain will be having an art exhibition at Cline House Gallery, 201 Second St. East, and Alan Bain has indicated that he will donate a percentage of his sales profit to the Arts and Culture Centre fundraising effort.

Burke indicated that to date $357,145 has been raised for the Arts & Culture Centre with more donations to come.  “The campaign continues,” she said.

For further information contact Katherine Burke at 613-933-8353 or brkcornwall@gmail.com