LAURIE WEIR
A beloved big-screen pup is lending a paw to help build a better space for his real-life canine cousins.
Two special screenings of The Friend, starring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray and one very charismatic Great Dane, are coming to Studio Theatre in Perth on Friday, June 20, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Perth Dog Park at Darou Farm, organized by a group of volunteers who have been actively fundraising to get the off-leash dog park off the ground.
The top priority is a fenced-in 1.3-acre space, with the full $60,000 in funding now secured; half raised by the community and half committed by the Town of Perth. The next step is issuing a request for proposals before construction can begin.
The Friend follows Iris, a New York writer and teacher played by Watts, whose life is upended when her mentor (Murray) passes away, leaving her in charge of his oversized and emotionally symbolic Great Dane, Apollo. While the 150-pound dog wreaks havoc on her daily life, from torn furniture to looming eviction notices, he also forces Iris to confront her own grief, creativity, and sense of purpose.
The film’s four-legged star, Bing (known on set as Apollo), may not get top billing in Hollywood, but he’s already a legend in the local fundraiser circuit.
“We’re so honoured to have this film shown in support of our dog park project,” said Tania Lynn Cadeau, chair of the dog park group. “It’s a fun, family-friendly film that celebrates the bond between people and animals, and what better way to raise awareness and funds than with popcorn, laughs and a few tears?”
Moviegoers can also expect sweet snacks on hand, including treats from the Perth Barkery. All proceeds from ticket sales and snack purchases will go toward the dog park initiative.
Studio Theatre in Perth is a registered charity, with a focus on community theatre, supporting local artists and offering educational opportunities.
The fundraising doesn’t end at the theatre doors. On Saturday, June 21, the Perth Dog Park team will also be hosting a cheer and water station at the annual Perth Kilt Run. The team with the best cheer setup could take home $1,000 in prize money, so expect barks, bagpipes and plenty of enthusiasm.
All of these fundraising efforts have come from community groups and businesses approaching the dog park team with ideas. “We’re so grateful,” Tracey Lettner, vice-chair of the dog park group, said. “It shows how important this project is to the people of Perth.”
This fall (mark your calendars early), will be a fundraising concert on Oct. 20 with a true Troubadour Corin Raymond. Hosted by the Listening Room, this event will be held at the Oakfield Rugby Park and tickets are $35, sold in advance only, by e-transfer or credit card. All shows sell out fast, so if you want to support this worthy cause, all the while supporting live music, contact Sue Tennant at sue.tennant12@gmail.com.
Cadeau noted: “All these fundraising opportunities were from businesses coming to us wanting to support the Dog Park by offering fundraising!”
Tickets for The Friend are expected to sell out quickly, too, so don’t miss your chance to support a pawsitively good cause.
For more information or to reserve a seat, contact the Studio Theatre box office or reach out to the Friends of Perth Dog Park at Darou Farm via Facebook.
