The impact the United Way and its funded partners have on our region was on full display at Songs of the City on May 1st.
The event at the Imperial Theatre is our way of thanking the community and our donors by sharing local stories and songs about how your support changes lives. Songs of the City wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our presenting sponsor, BMO Private Wealth.
More than 400 people attended Songs of the City this year, hearing seven people share five stories of resilience in changing their lives with the help of partner organizations funded by the United Way, including the Teen Resource Centre, the Saint John Learning Exchange, Kaleidoscope Social Impact, Sistema and Bee Me Kidz.
Thanks to all the storytellers for their courage in sharing their inspirational stories.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the songwriters for their time, talent, and the care with which they approached the collaboration on the personal stories that were shared with them.
Thanks to those who attended as well for honouring the stories, individuals, and organizations that participated.
We were overwhelmed with the audience reaction to the event!
“Thank you for organizing such a lovely show last night! I went through a couple of Kleenex! We really appreciate the care taken to demonstrate the impact of the organizations in our community. It was a beautiful show,” remarked Christina Fowler, President and CEO of the Saint John Learning Exchange.
One songwriter expressed how the story she helped tell has been met with praise and has had an impact in the community.
“It was such an incredible event and such an honour to be a part of it. To be able to create a song based on Amanda’s beautiful spirit is something that I will keep with me forever. It’s a song that I’ve gotten so much great feedback on from other people already and it’s doing exactly what she wanted to do by inspiring others!” Jaclyn Reinhart said.
“Thank you for this amazing opportunity,” added Amanda, who shared her poignant story onstage. “It is weird when things go full circle and I am honoured to have been a part and have you by my side while facing one of my biggest fears. Thank you.”
Although the event isn’t intended to act as a fundraiser, we received $4,785 in donations after Songs of the City as a result of BMO Private Wealth offering to match the generosity of others.
We are full of gratitude for all that attended the event and all those that support our United Way. It is through your care and commitment to our communities that brighter futures are built.