The Acts of Compassion event April 8 was a great success, with net proceeds close to $9,000 for the Canadian Red Cross Disaster Relief for Japan.
Anne Lawrie was among several volunteers at the door welcoming people and accepting donations during the 11-hour event.
Throughout the day and evening, an exceptional lineup of local entertainment organized by MC Helen Austin drew people into the hall and provided a positive community atmosphere.
Sound equipment was donated by Sound Advice and Bruce Wing, who worked with fellow volunteer Jay Navarro Merrick to facilitate changeovers between acts.
鈥淔iddlejam was especially fun,鈥� says Wing. 鈥淲hat better way to express community spirit than to watch several generations of musicians playing music together and obviously having fun.鈥�
The entertainment was just one of many expressions of compassion throughout the day. The silent auction, which was organized by Judy Wing, Sue Pyper, and Carl Tessmann, showed the great generosity and diversity of the local business community. Volunteer co-ordinator Pamela Tessmann and financial overseer Frances Yates manned the auction tables and raffled items throughout the day and evening, including a pair of Musicfest passes and hoodies.
The concession served hearty helpings of delicious chili and samosas cooked up by volunteers Kera McHugh and Ian Back, who are newcomers to the Valley along with Ian鈥檚 son Zak, who was visiting from Australia.
Kids of all ages enjoyed the art activities provided by Robin Rivers and Lindsay Mallett and many sporting colourful balloon animals were twisted into shapes by red-nosed volunteer Richard Thompson.
Another highlight of the event was a brief introduction to one of the most recent newcomers to the Comox Valley 鈥� Cadence is the brand new daughter of proud parents Meg Cursons and Bobby Herron who helped to initiate, organize and draw in community partners for the event.
An additional $562 was collected for the event on April 10 at an extended local jam, where more than 30 musicians turned out to play, another tremendous expression of community support.
As planned, the Acts of Compassion gathered funds, as well as many hearts and hands in celebration of all that we enjoy as a community, and in compassion for those whose communities have been physically dismantled by natural disaster.
The organizers thank Emagination Design for donating the poster design, and everyone who sponsored, volunteered, promoted, donated or attended to make this community event such a success.
鈥� Acts of Compassion
