In 1945, the people of Sunset had a vision to build a new community
centre. They started by forming a Community Association with the
task of creating a new recreation facility in South Vancouver. How
could the association raise another $100,000.00 when it took two
years to raise $25,000.00? The community needed to do something
big.
Stan Thomas, President of the Sunset Association in 1947, was sent
to Hollywood California to convince Bing Crosby to stage his radio
show in Vancouver as a benefit for the construction of Sunset Community
Centre.
Bing Crosby was the most famous celebrity of his time selling #1
records, starring in popular Hollywood movies and he had the most
listened to radio program in North America.
Imagine Stan Thomas stepping into his car one rainy October morning
to ask this internation superstar to come to Vancouver for a benefit
fundraiser.
What do you think Bing's response was? Yes!
On September 21, 1948 the Bing Crosby Radio Show came to Vancouver
and over $26,000.00 was raised in one performance. Following the
program, the City of Vancouver contributed the remaining amount
and Sunset Community Centre was built.
The people of Sunset are a people with a vision. They take risks
and they acheive their goals.
Today, Sunset Community Centre is over 50 years old and and has just been replaced in 2007, with a new structure 2 blocks east on the Park Board's
Nursery lands along Main Street between 51st and 53rd Avenues.
Download the SUNSET
STORY HERE (PDF - 11mb)
A publication on the history of Sunset Community Centre
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Here is the gym floor. January 2006 
