Cranbrook Sunrise Rotary Club has donated $1,000 to the Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society (FPPAS) to help support its program volunteers this summer.

“Being a volunteer organization, we (Sunrise Rotary) understand the importance of volunteers,” said Rolena Arthur, Chair of the Sunrise Rotary Granting Committee.

Jamie Neve, President of FFPAS, expressed gratitude for the donation on behalf of their Board of Directors and members. “We appreciate the support and encouragement.”

FPPAS is the nonprofit organization based in Cranbrook that has planned and facilitated the popular Summer Sounds/Dancing in the Park music concert series in Rotary Park since 2014 and added the ‘PEAK’ Music Festival in 2018. These programs are free to the public because of the generous funding support from sponsors and grants, and the dedication of loyal volunteers.

Over the past few years, thousands of citizens and visitors have been attracted by the casual and vibrant atmosphere the outdoor music events have created in the downtown core. Although 2020 was a year of postponements and cancellations, FPPAS and their trusted volunteers managed to provide four Saturdays of live music in Moir Park in September, adapted to conform to public health orders, and funded by Heritage Canada.

Neve confirmed that plans for a 2021 live, outdoor, music program are in full swing, but are dependent upon the roll out of vaccinations and the lowering of public health restrictions so that large gatherings can happen. He explained that their team will monitor Provincial orders and adjust the dates forward if necessary. The programming dates will remain flexible, and the public will be kept informed through their website and social media.

Membership funds have also greatly assisted in keeping the programs growing. At only ten dollars each, and twenty-five dollars for a family, hundreds of members made a significant contribution to their operating costs, with no obligation to volunteer. No membership or sponsorships funds were requested or collected in 2020 because of the pandemic and the economic challenges faced by everyone. FPPAS is now actively seeking support to launch the programs again.

Performing artists are eager to deliver their best and feel the energy from the audiences who have been starved of live in-person music for a full year. Everyone can make it happen by getting vaccinated when their turn comes up, to protect themselves and others, and by joining, making a donation or by volunteering through their website www.fisherpeakperformingartists.com .

Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society

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