By Medicine Hat News on April 12, 2018.
Medicine Hat News A benefit event to assist in the recovery of those connected to the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy will be held Saturday at Ralph’s Texas Bar and Steakhouse. Craig Andrus, who owns the Sell TRUTH Entertainment company, said he wanted to do something after hearing about the 15 lives lost, and ultimately reached out to a number of his friends in the entertainment industry. Andrus teamed up with the owners of Ralph’s and quickly organized a concert and silent auction. On the entertainment list will be acoustic performances by Taylor Sonier, Brett Michael Monka, Megan Dawson and Terez, starting in the restaurant at 3 p.m. Things will pick up steam at 7 p.m. with a performance by Michela Sheedy, an ACMA-nominated recording artist and current Calgary Flames anthem singer. Following her on the stage will be the ACMA award-winning band Renegade Station at 8:30, with Drew Gregory, another ACMA-winning recording artist, hitting the stage at 10:30. Up next will be former Medicine Hat resident Craig Moritz taking the stage around 11:45 p.m. with the headliner act, Julian Austin, closing the event. A silent auction will run all day, with a variety of items, such as a signed cowboy hat from country music legend George Strait, a package from Canadian country artist Dallas Smith, an annual membership to Desert Blume Golf Club, Medicine Hat Tigers and Calgary Flames jerseys, a number of signed NHL jerseys, gift certificates to local businesses, a silk flower arrangement, liquor baskets, 500 tokens at Fun and Games, and more. Andrus said local businesses are encouraged to donate silent auction items. As well, cash donations may be dropped off at Mac Design and Screenworks in Redcliff or at Ralph’s Texas Bar and Steakhouse. Organizers are asking for a $5 donation at the door and those attending are urged to wear green or gold to show support for the Broncos. Hosts for the event will be comedians Nicole Arbour and Eric Jalbert. All proceed will be donated to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. 13