(St. Catharines, Ont.) – December 1, 2008—Sharilyn J. Ingram, President of the Board of Directors of the St. Catharines and Area Arts Council (SCAAC), today announced the receipt of a major gift to the Arts Council from Charter Building Company. In honour of Charter’s generous gift of $12,000, the Arts Council’s home at 31 James Street will be named “Charter House – Home of the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council”.

“We are truly grateful to Charter for their generosity and for the excellent work they’ve done at 31 James,” said Ingram. “We are thrilled to have our home known as Charter House, and recognize in Charter a truly community-minded company.”

Don Ward, owner of Charter Building Company, said: “We recognize the important role the St. Catharines and Area Arts Council plays in enhancing the cultural life of our community. We are pleased to be able to make this donation and honoured to have the Arts Council’s facility known as Charter House.”

A sign for 31 James reading “Charter House – Home of the St. Catharines & Area Arts Council” will be commissioned from a local artist. The selected design will be presented at a recognition event at Charter House, to be held on Monday, December 8 at 4 pm.