The MacLaren Legacy Dinner offers an engaging evening of storytelling, conversation, and celebration – featuring two central elements: a performance by a special guest (chosen by the honourees) and presentation of the MacLaren Legacy Award to honour someone who has made a significant contribution to the MacLaren and to the broader community.
The MacLaren Legacy Dinner started in 1991 with a celebration recognizing Maurice MacLaren, who in his final will donated his house to what was at the time the Interim Gallery Project. In honour of this generous gift the Board of Directors renamed the fledgling art gallery, The MacLaren Art Centre.
This year we recognize Bob & Joan Gilroy for their outstanding philanthropy and volunteerism, not only to the MacLaren, but to many cultural activities as well as organizations that support people in need in the Barrie-Simcoe Area. This year’s dinner will feature music of local cellist and playwright, Alyssa Wright. The 2022 Legacy Dinner provides an opportunity for MacLaren friends, donors, and sponsors to gather together to honour Bob and Joan and enjoy an entertaining and inspiring evening to raise funds that will directly support a project that the Gilroy’s feel is important to our community.