Thank you very much.
Yes, we've been very successful with private sponsorship and private donors for the centre. We have a vast membership program that raises almost $1 million a year for our operating budget. And we put on special events. For example, two weeks ago I hosted an event called “Behind the Red Velvet”, which was an on-stage spectacular gala event. We had a live and silent auction and raised over $40,000 for our children's arts education programs.
We do a lot of events and raise money through those events. We go out into the community. We seek corporate sponsorships. We seek individual donations and sponsors. We have different levels of membership, whether it's the director's circle or the different circles of members.
One of the things my predecessor did so well was make sure that the Confederation Centre was an open place for Islanders to come to. It's not my place because I'm the CEO there; it's everyone's place, and I want it to feel like that for all of Canada. We will reach out corporately across the country as well to raise those funds.
I'd be happy to actually send you the materials we use for these fundraising campaigns. I know that you have three theatres in your jurisdiction, Mr. Calandra. I would be happy to actually send our marketing and fundraising collateral to you.