A Quiet Champion: John H. Williams It has been my greatest privilege and pleasure over the past 15 years working at the National Ballet to come in contact with an extraordinary group of individuals who share a common passion for the art of ballet and the company. Many are well-known in the Toronto arts community as philanthropists of note, while others have distinguished themselves as longstanding and devoted volunteers, donors and subscribers. They all make an important contribution to our story and I hope to bring some of these special people into focus. Fundraising is about relationships, and what I have learned is that everyone has a story, and that I, along with my colleagues, are the keepers and guardians of these special memories. One such story is that of John Henry Williams. Now, if you ever met John, you would recognize right away that he was shy and didn’t care for too much attention. Over the years we gradually came to know each other in a very quiet, organic way. John’s wife introduced him to ballet when they were first married
in the 1950s and soon enough, the theatre became a favourite place for them as a couple. When John’s wife passed away, he kept up the tradition of attending the ballet in her memory. John lived in a modest house in an area of Toronto called Old Weston and took the bus and subway to get to the Four Seasons Centre. I was occasionally able to coax John to accept a ride to the theatre, especially in March. He attended Thursday evenings and Saturday matinees and always arrived in the Jackman Lounge dressed impeccably for the occasion. His greatest enjoyment was seeing each show at least twice in order to watch as many of his favourite dancers as possible. While John may have come to the theatre on his own, he was never alone. We all watched out for John in the lounge, as did his seat mates in Row D. John began as a Friends’ Corps member and gradually deepened his involvement, becoming a member of the Patrons’ Council for 14 years. One day John asked to see me, and made the trek down to the Walter Carsen Centre. He wanted to discuss what
his legacy would be and wanted my opinion on the best way to go about it. After our conversation, John confirmed that he would leave a gift to the National Ballet in his will. John joined the Celia Franca Society, our legacy program, that recognizes and celebrates individuals who leave gifts to the National Ballet in their estate plans. John passed away quietly on November 17, 2018 at the age of 97. His obituary asked only that we “Attend a performance in his memory. He would like that.” So, as John did for his wife, we shall do for him. When we return to the stage, we will honour John with a matinee performance. There are many stories like John’s in the history of the National Ballet. I am so pleased that John’s love for and commitment to the company will live on through his generous legacy gift and the John H. Williams Fund in the Endowment Foundation. John’s gentle presence is missed by the company and will never be forgotten. – Diana Reitberger, CFRE Director of Development
Remembering our Friends Henry Pankratz The National Ballet of Canada mourns the passing of former Board Chair Henry Pankratz on August 13, 2020. Together with his wife Julia, Henry was devoted to his family, friends, community and country. Henry served as Chair of the Board of Directors from 1999 to 2001 and as Vice-Chair of the Endowment Foundation Board from 2000 to 2004. Henry and Julia were very involved in the early days of the Patrons’ Council and held many memorable events in their home.
Maxine Goldberg Maxine Goldberg, a cherished part of The National Ballet of Canada family, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2021. Maxine was a 40-year member of the Volunteer Committee, a member of the Celia Franca Society and Patrons’ Council, a subscriber and a champion for young talent, her most treasured role. She recently established the Maxine Goldberg Fund for Apprentices within the Endowment Foundation to ensure that her support for emerging artists will live on. To make a gift to celebrate the lives of Henry Pankratz or Maxine Goldberg, please contact Lucy White at 416 345 9686 x333 or lwhite@national.ballet.ca. 14
The National Ballet of Canada
Preview Winter 2021
