Picture a charity gala, people dancing and commiserating, maybe looking at some silent auction items over a glass of wine.
With pandemic-related restrictions, it’s simply not possible.
Or is it?
On Saturday, Medicine Hat is among 22 cities across Canada taking part in the Stay at Home Gala, an online event with local entertainment and an important cause.
“The first one was in Kelowna, they pulled it off in five days and raised just about $30,000,” said Niki Gray, community engagement co-ordinator with the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. “There’s so many moving parts, but they made it as easy as possible.”
The CFSEA repurposed its entire spring grant program in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, now getting part of a $2-million provincial emergency fund designated for charities and a $350-million one announced by the federal government.
There’s no way of knowing how much those will total, but proceeds and ticket sales from the Stay at Home Gala were already past $14,000 as of Wednesday evening.
“I know we have some big donors coming in. But it’s not necessarily the dollar amount we want to focus on,” said Gray. “We want to focus on ticket purchases, which is $25. It gets you the link to the local and national sites, and there you’re going to be able to be part of the community. There will be opportunities to donate there, there’s a silent auction, all of that.”
Hatters will immediately recognize the local headliner, Mackenzie Porter. The hometown country star who now lives in Nashville was all set to play Canalta Centre on March 13 along with Brad Paisley, but that concert was among the first big cancellations that has since claimed the remainder of the Tigers’ hockey season, the Medicine Hat Stampede and more.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this local event supporting both small businesses and charities in my hometown,” said Porter in a message to the News. “I was so disappointed when my last show on the Brad Paisley tour was cancelled in Medicine Hat so being able to support a great hometown cause like this makes a part of me feel like I’m home again.
“I can’t wait to get home and play a full show soon … but until then, I’ll catch you online as we all support an amazing cause to help those struggling during these crazy and unpredictable times.”
The show gets underway with a national segment at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, then local emcee and magician Trevor Moore takes over at 6 p.m. with Porter, punk-rock band Snakes and the Riot and singer-songwriter Jay Bowcott performing. The national highlights include keynote speaker Hayley Wickenheiser and artists such as the Hunter Brothers and Tanika Charles.
Gray is encouraging viewers to order in from local restaurants supporting the gala and make a fun night that supports not only the charities, but also Hat-area businesses who could use a lift.
“It’s definitely a highlight on the charities but we know it’s not just the charities that are struggling right now,” she said. “We’re working with municipal leaders, community partners and local funders to make sure all of the charities are being supported, all the vulnerable sectors are being covered and all the gaps are being filled.”
As for anyone unsure about the technical aspects of watching, Gray says it’s being run through Zoom but you don’t need a special login, as the platform works on a regular Internet browser. Go to cfsea.ca or CFSEA’s Facebook page to find the link to tickets.
