70 for 70 Legacy Challenge

The National Ballet had its inaugural performance at The Eaton Auditorium on November 12, 1951 – 70 years ago.

Celia Franca had arrived from England 10 months prior and pulled off what many consider to be a ballet miracle – created an entire ballet company – while working as a file clerk at the Eaton’s department store. Celia recruited and trained 29 dancers, assembled costumes and hired two pianists as the company’s founding orchestra. For $3.00, you could have experienced the National Ballet’s very first performance.

Prior to Celia’s arrival in Toronto, three women – Sydney Mulqueen, Pearl Whitehead and Aileen Woods – had a vision to establish Canada’s very first national ballet company, one that would represent the very best in dance. Together, they galvanized support, raised funds and turned their vision into a reality.

Now, seven decades later, patrons and volunteers from across the country are still supporting the National Ballet. Our collective funding has enabled the National Ballet to invest in the best dancers, attract world-class choreographers, help support the only dedicated ballet orchestra in Canada, and inspire children and youth with free access to workshops and performances. Because of our enduring care, the National Ballet is one of the world’s most prestigious companies.

We have come a long way since the first performance 70 years ago and, with your help, we can achieve so much more.

To mark this significant anniversary, I, along with my fellow Celia Franca Society Ambassador Committee members, have launched the 70 for 70 Legacy Campaign. Our goal is to secure 70 new legacy donors by June 30, 2022.

This campaign will celebrate you and your commitment to ensuring the success of our company now and in the future. You can be a part of this special campaign no matter the size of your estate. The truth is, even 1% left to the National Ballet can have an enormous impact, while still leaving 99% of your estate for your loved ones.

My motivation in leaving a gift in my Will reflects my desire to thank the company that has given me so much joy over many years. I also wish to guarantee that the financial future of the ballet I love is on a strong footing. Let’s ensure that the company's outstanding international reputation will be supported so that future generations can enjoy and celebrate The National Ballet of Canada.

You have been part of the National Ballet’s glorious history and I invite you to be part of our future. Take a moment to consider joining me and make your mark on The National Ballet of Canada with a gift in your Will.

In gratitude,

Marcia McClung Chair, Celia Franca Society Ambassador Committee

For more information, visit national.ballet.ca/LegacyChallenge or contact Richard Lefebvre at rlefebvre@national.ballet.ca or 416 346 9686 x324.