The Gift of Fringe

“The Foundation is named after my Zaide,” Cody shares. “He showed me that helping others without any expectation in return is not only the right thing to do but really an obligation. He was always there to lend a hand up to those in need with only the expectation that they make what they can of the help given. When it comes to the arts, I think the Fringe exemplifies this. All the Artists who participate here work to better their craft every day, and any help given is truly a hand up, not a handout.”  

This transformational commitment comes at a critical time. As a charitable arts organization, Fringe Theatre relies on a delicate balance of grants, sponsorships, and community support to keep the lights on – literally and figuratively. Bernadette and Cody’s generosity helps stabilize that balance, ensuring Fringe Theatre continues to uplift Artists, create unforgettable experiences for Audiences, and build a more vibrant, creative Edmonton for generations to come. 

So why Fringe?

“My first Fringe was in 1982 – the inaugural Festival,” recalls Cody. “There were only five venues at the time. It’s amazing to see how that fragile beginning has flourished into the Fringe of today.” 

For Bernadette, the roots run just as deep. As the steward of the Fabbrici Foundation for the Arts – a family foundation honouring the courage and adventure of Amelia Fabbrici – Bernadette is committed to ensuring that art weaves its vital essence into the lives of Canadians. Gratefully, the Fabbrici Foundation has supported Fringe Theatre since 2021. 

“Fringe is more than a Festival. It’s part of our cultural DNA,” she says. “It holds so many threads of our social fabric together. It’s crucial we support it from many angles.”

Fringe’s impact, Cody and Bernadette agree, is felt far beyond the stage.

“What I love about the team at Fringe Theatre is that they’ve figured out how to be a business within the arts,” Bernadette continues. “Monthly giving, training programs, Artists receiving full revenues from ticket sales and more. Fringe has built a sustainable model that deserves to be uplifted. We’re proud to help and we hope other donors will be inspired to do the same.”

“We felt it was time to step up to help ensure the future of this Edmonton treasure,” Cody agrees. “The challenges Fringe has faced before, during, and since COVID have all been met by the people who power Fringe, and supporters need to step up in these challenging times, too. This was our way of doing that.”

Fringe’s scrappy, ever-evolving energy resonates deeply with Bernadette and Cody, who see the arts as essential to a healthy society.

“I don’t really believe a community exists without the arts,” Cody reflects. “I believe the true fabric of the community is woven by the cultural and emotional contributions of the arts through all elements – from music, to dance to literature, and of course through theatre. That is what defines the true nature of a city and its community.”

“Good festivals expose people to things they might otherwise not see,” continues Cody. “They broaden horizons and contribute to the depth of a city’s culture. Many festivals contribute to the province, but the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival is one of the few that truly leaves a legacy. Fringe gives people the opportunity to experience something new while directly supporting the thousands of individual Artists involved.”  

“Support the Artists, and the ecosystem will follow,” Bernadette adds. “The arts bring the energy, the audiences, the vibrancy. When you give to the arts, you’re investing in the strength and future of your city.”  

Fringe memories? They have more than a few. 

Beyond the Night Café tops Cody’s list, along with the magic of sharing recommendations with fellow Fringers in the beer tent.  

“The experience of sitting at the beer tent with a Festival Guide and speaking with total strangers about what we’ve seen, what they’ve seen, and what to see next is definitely a core Fringe experience for me,” he says. “It’s not to be missed!” 

Bernadette nods to a memorable outdoor rendition of Animal Farm, Romeo and Juliet on Ice, and The Ugly Duchess as standouts.

“Each show is so different and that’s what I love. Fringe surprises you every time!” declares Bernadette.

What do they hope their gift will make possible? 

“We want more people to know what the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival does for the community,” says Bernadette. “Not just onstage, but behind the scenes, in the way Fringe Theatre leads and cares for community. That’s worth celebrating.” 

“We hope our support and the support of others will help ensure North America’s greatest theatre event continues to thrive through whatever challenges the future brings,” says Cody.  You too can help Fringe Theatre bring Artists and Audiences together to share in creativity, risk, craft, and community! 

You too can help Fringe Theatre bring Artists and Audiences together to share in creativity, risk, craft, and community! Your support now is like a ticket to the future of Fringe. Make a gift, become a monthly donor, or plan to leave a legacy gift.

Fringe Theatre gratefully acknowledges support from endowment funds and grants stewarded by the Edmonton Community Foundation. 

Canadian Cultural Investment Fund
Cohos Evamy Fund
David Schuster & Elaine Pollard Family Fund
Dorothy Scott Award Fund
A Family That Cares – John & Avery Stobbe Family Fund
Frank & Jean Weichman Cinders Fund
Fringe Theatre Adventures Society Fund
Gerald Osborn Playwriting Fund
Joe & Nancy Thompson Family Fund
Katherine Jacob Fund
Karen L. Johnson Fund
McCuaig Desrochers Centennial & Legacy Fund
Mowat Diversity Fringe Theatre Award Fund
Nordic & Cloutier Family Innovation Fund
Westbury Family Fringe Theatre Fund