FLATO Developments donates additional $125,000 to the FLATO Markham Theatre

MARKHAM, ON – May 30, 2022 – FLATO Developments Inc., headquartered in Markham and the naming sponsor of the theatre, has graciously made an additional $125,000 donation to FLATO Markham Theatre. FLATO’s generosity for the performing arts centre will be felt by all its staff, supporters and patrons and is greatly appreciated by all.

“Thanks to Shakir Rehmatullah’s generous contribution and support, some of the theatre’s onstage performances will be available to a broader audience online,” says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “His commitment to arts and culture in the City of Markham is well demonstrated through many initiatives and this is one more tangible way to make the arts more accessible to those who cannot attend in person.”

The $125,000 gift from Mr. Rehmatullah and FLATO Developments Inc. will contribute to FLATO Markham Theatre’s post-pandemic restart. This includes the Theatre’s world class Diamond Season – which resumed last February – and more specifically, the new live broadcast series, the 2022 Simply Series, presenting brilliant performances and untold artists' stories live onstage and online. This additional support also positions FLATO Devolpments as the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Markham Performing Arts Awards, as well as, having sponsored Kaha:Wi Dance Theatre’s Indigenous production, “The Mush Hole.”

“Building homes and communities is a great achievement, but giving back is quite another,” states Shakir Rehmatullah, who has embedded philanthropy into the company’s corporate mandate. “It is very important to us to contribute to the social and cultural framework of the communities where we build, and we hope to inspire others to step up and contribute as well.”

Launched by Rehmatullah in 2005 in Markham, FLATO builds across Southern Ontario with an inspired vision of new and refreshing designs. In addition to this main mission, the company believes deeply in supporting people and places and has actively supported arts, education, healthcare, food banks and other institutions in the communities where they operate. Starting in 2012, FLATO Developments has committed for a 20-year naming right sponsorship for the Flato Markham Theatre.

(Left to Right) City of Markham’s Director of Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship, Chris Rickett; FLATO Markham Theatre General Manager, Eric Lariviere; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti; FLATO Development Inc.’s Shakir Rehmatullah; Ward 2 Councillor and Chair of the Culture & Economic Development Sub-Section of the Development Services Committee, Alan Ho, City of Markham's Chief Administrative Officer, Andy Taylor and Commissioner of Development Services, Arvin Prasad on Friday, May 27, 2022, accepting a $125,000 donation to FLATO Markham Theatre from FLATO Developments Inc.

Photo Credit: Rob Corrado.

-30-

FLATO Markham Theatre:
Kayla van Zon, Marketing Lead at kvanzon@interkom.ca or 905.407.6439.
Danielle Grattage, Marketing & Box Office Assistant at dgrattage@markham.ca or 905.415.7537 x7539.

All other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Kisha Powell, Media Relations & Communications Specialist at kpowell@markham.ca.

About Flato Markham Theatre: Flato Markham Theatre is a jewel in the crown of the Markham community, located only 30 minutes from the downtown core. The intimate, 527-seat, state-of-the-art performance facility provides patrons with unforgettable access to a host of internationally acclaimed artists and productions through its annual Diamond Season presented by Weins Auto Group. Illuminating the central theme that the live arts in Markham matters, the season features the best of classical, jazz, world music, dance, comedy, pop artists, and family entertainment. Flexible ticket package options and complimentary parking are available.

About Markham: Markham, an award-winning municipality with more than 356,000 residents and the largest of nine communities in York Region, is home to over 650 headquartered companies and more than 1,500 high tech and life science companies. Markham is a leader in attracting foreign direct investment with more than 234 foreign companies located in the City. Founded in the 1790s, today Markham is Canada’s most diverse community and enjoys a rich heritage, outstanding community planning and services, and a vibrant local economy.

Stay Connected: Visit our newsroom or search #MarkhamNews and #MarkhamEvents for the latest information on City programs, services and event.