Pane in the Glass

This Saturday night, Celts across the Cape Breton will gather at Nova Scotia’s renowned Gaelic College in Englishtown for the third annual Pane in the Glass fundraiser. Director of Marketing and 75th anniversary coordinator Anna MacDonald fills us in on the details!

What is the Pane in the Glass event all about?
Pane in the Glass is an annual fundraising event here at the Gaelic College. Because we’re a non-profit organization, we depend on events like this to generate the much-needed funds to run our educational programs. During Pane in the Glass, local artists very generously donate pieces of their work that they have created within a window frame. These pieces are then auctioned off during the evening, and our guests also enjoy dinner, and live music. This year, we’ll be featuring a silent auction as well, with more items donated by local artists, craftspeople, and businesses.

Where is the money going?
We have a wide range of programs at the Gaelic College that the money raised during Pane in the Glass will support. Of course our educational programming is the primary one. Money from any fundraiser we do goes directly to ensuring we continue to offer the quality of programming we’re known for.

What can attendees expect to experience at the event?
Pane in the Glass really is going to be a lovely evening this year. The event will commence with a viewing of the items available at auction, while guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and the music of harpist Jenny Tingley. Our amazing culinary staff will be preparing a wonderful meal, with a choice of chicken or haddock, salad, and of course dessert. Auctioneer Rollie Thornhill will lead the live auction, while guests can also bid on silent auction items throughout the evening. To cap things off, we’ll have some lively Cape Breton music from Rodney MacDonald, Tracey Dares MacNeil, Margie Beaton, and Colin MacDonald.

Along with fundraising, why is it an important event for the College?
It’s important to us at the College to maintain strong ties with the community. Events like Pane in the Glass are ways that we not only welcome community members to campus, but also support local artists, and businesses, and work with a wide range of partners for the betterment of our community.

Are there plans for this event in the years ahead?
Pane in the Glass really is a wonderful and unique event. Of course as long as it is a success we hope to continue it in coming years.

What other events are planned for the College’s 75th Anniversary celebrations?
We’ve got a really exciting summer coming up to mark our 75th Anniversary. From June 30 to July 6 we’ll have some of the best artists in Nova Scotia Gaelic culture on campus for a week jam-packed with events. The full line-up will be released Wednesday, March 27, but you can be sure it will be a great week you won’t want to miss!

In your estimation, is enough being done to preserve and promote Celtic culture generally?
I think more can always be done to promote just about any culture, including Celtic and Gaelic cultures. I’m so encouraged by the educational programming here at the Gaelic College. The kids who come here are so enthused about the culture and are really interested in learning more, and enjoying their heritage.

What can we be doing better?
I think keeping a positive attitude is so important when faced with a challenge like this, and to be sure we don’t take our culture for granted. It’s important, I think, for each generation to encourage those coming behind, and to recognize and celebrate the culture. I think it’s important to remind ourselves of how wonderful our culture is and that it is our responsibility to ensure its survival.

www.gaeliccollege.edu/event-calendar/event-details/449-pane-in-the-glass.html