Unveiling of print with Jack and Joan Donald, as well as John Donald and Kathy Lacey. (Curtiss Lund )

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Securing A Long-Term Future

Westerner Foundation Capital Campaign 2021 raises over $7.6 million

Dec 9, 2021 | 3:10 PM

Officials at Red Deer’s Westerner Park have announced a major funding boost that aims to provide long-term stability for the organization.

The Westerner Foundation was established in January 2021 by local community leaders and members of the Westerner Park Board of Directors, with the goal of promoting and investing in initiatives that will support the future sustainability of Westerner Park.

The members of the Westerner Foundation are the stewards of the funds raised and aim to ensure that funding decisions align with their four key pillars:

1. Capital Programs

2. Innovation & Events

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3. Education & Community Engagement

4. Other Programs & Services in support of providing exceptional guest experiences through premier facilities.

Earlier this year, the Westerner Foundation, in partnership with a volunteer group of community leaders interested in the future of Westerner Park, kicked off fundraising efforts to support the Capital Programs pillar. These leaders, as chaired by Campaign Chair, Joan Donald, are proud to announce that over $7,674,513 has been raised, which will enable major maintenance and future improvements at Westerner Park.

“For over 130 years, Westerner Park has been Central Alberta’s destination for celebration – blending tradition with vision, rural with urban, and agriculture with sport and entertainment,” said Joan Donald. “The donors of the Capital Campaign demonstrate the “can-do” western spirit that helps us look forward with a sense of hope and excitement for generations to come.”

A commemorative print donated by Peter and Kathy Lacey will be displayed in the Peavey Mart Centrium to commemorate this milestone. The piece illustrates the rural roots of the Westerner Park supporters and recognizes the contributors to the 2021 Capital Campaign.

Kathy Lacey is also leading Cowboy Kicks, with its first annual event set to run Mar. 18, 2022, with the proceeds directed to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team and the Westerner Foundation in support of the capital campaign.

“This is a major project for the Westerner Foundation and shows the impact that each of us can have when we come together to support local organizations” stated John Donald, Westerner Foundation Chair. “Westerner Park will continue to be a hub for Central Alberta, advancing our agriculture industry and generating economic benefits for our community,” added Donald.

Deb Beck, Westerner Park Board Chair and Westerner Foundation member, shared her appreciation, “Thank you to the donors of the 2021 Capital Campaign – your support demonstrates the important role Westerner Park plays in our community. Thank you to the Donald family, who have been long-term ambassadors and contributors to Westerner Park. And thank you to the volunteers, employees, sponsors, partners, and millions of guests who have been a part of Westerner events for over 130 years. We look forward to our continued contribution to Central Alberta’s success and quality of life.”

Officials say the 2021 Capital Campaign funds will be invested in Westerner Park infrastructure over time, with priorities and plans determined through detailed analysis and directed by the Westerner Foundation and Westerner Park leadership.