Skip to content

New style fundraiser for ACAA brings in $14K

WiL gave a powerful performance to the crowds that had come to the Performing Arts Centre from Stettler and neighbouring areas...
74520stettler160217_MSJ_WiL-for-ACAA_01
Wil performs for the annual ACAA fundraiser at the Performing Arts Centre on Saturday

WiL gave a powerful performance to the crowds that had come to the Performing Arts Centre from Stettler and neighbouring areas at one of Association of Communities Against Abuse (ACAA)'s annual fundraisers hosted on Saturday evening, Feb. 13.

"This is the first time we have done this type of a fundraiser," said Judilonne Bebe, executive director of ACAA. "It was Rob Grandfield who selected WiL as the band to bring back in the fall and (did) a very successful job of organizing the event."

Bebe said that although ACAA has had raffles, suppers, dances etc. in the past to help raise funds, an event such as this was one of ACAA's firsts.

"Some of ACAA's successes are the number of clients we have been able to help over the years, the large number of students whom we have provided with preventive education and the number of professionals we have trained through workshops on abuse issues," said Bebe.

WiL's manager Caroline Mimnaugh said that they were approached by Stettler residents at one of WiL's performances in Red Deer and from then on the idea had been brewing.

"We thought it was a great opportunity not only for WiL's music but to reach out to a larger fan base who otherwise would not have heard him," said Mimnaugh. "We also believe in the cause and the wonderful work that ACAA does."

When Rob Grandfield and his wife Marg came to know about the kind of work that ACAA was doing locally from Noreen Woolsey, one of the directors of the board, they have been planning to host a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that would help raise funds for ACAA.

"Several months ago we happened to mention to Peter and Tammy Pollack that we wanted to hold a charity concert for this much needed service," explained Rob. "Peter with his connections through Stable Eight Productions, was unbelievable in his ability to book WiL for the concert, and once we had WiL secured the rest fell together pretty easy."

According to Grandfield, several local businesses and organizations stepped up to the plate to make the evening a great success.

"With the support of the community we filled the PAC to witness Wi's incredible talent and together with everyone's help we were able to raise $14,000," said Grandfield. "We of course could not have put this on without all of our wonderful volunteers, a huge thank you goes out to them."