The St. Augustine Parish Hall got a little bit country on Nov. 25 as the Humboldt Travel Club hosted a fundraiser.
The fundraiser featured Brock Andrews and was in support of the travel club who are looking to raise some money to help pay for their trip to England and France in early April.
“The main purpose of the trip, it’s called the Vimy Ridge Trip, we’re going to Vimy Ridge for the 100th year anniversary,” said event organizer, Amber Biemans.
Biemans said that in addition to raising money for the travel club she hoped that the evening could also provide people in Humboldt with another Christmas party to attend.
Welcoming Andrews to the show was an easy decision, says Biemans, who notes that he is used to the small town feel.
“Brock’s from small town Saskatchewan so even though he’s an international artist… he really enjoys doing the small town tours, especially Saskatchewan.”
Agreeing to come was equally as easy for Andrews who says it is “all about giving back” and notes he has a local connection as his fiancée is from Englefeld.
“Englefeld has adopted me so well and I really do feel like that’s home when I go there. I go to see my fiancée’s family and they are more than amazing. Her cousins and aunties and uncles, everybody’s amazing and it makes my heart melt when I come around here.”
Andrews did not show up along however, as he asked four other local artists to join him on stage including Ray Whitton, Topher Mils, Darlene Tuleta, and Brody Siebert.
Andrews also welcomed a pair of young musicians to the stage as Faith Schuler and Ethyn Beggs also played.
Andrews says bringing young kids into the fold was important because it could provide them with the mentorship they might be looking for.
“I know that sometimes it’s easy to lose your way and these kids, Faith and Ethyn, have great talent and all it takes is a small little gesture for that to be a big impact going long term and I really just wanted to reach out and make it something that was possible.”
Andrews was really pleased with how the concert went, noting that he was blown away when he and the rest of the artists received a standing ovation.
“We had some artists walking off the stage and I brought them back on because it was for all of them. I really love being able to tell stories and connect with the audience and I love that they give the love back to you.”
Biemans was really pleased with how the event went, noting that there were 191 people in attendance, with the club raising $5,300.
The money raised from the silent auction portion of the evening will be split between those who participated in the event, while the money raised from ticket sales will go towards those who sold each individual ticket.
Biemans says there are 20 people going on the trip, with only seven participating in the evening, as participation was optional.
There were a number of items up for silent auction, which was great to see, says Biemans, who notes that sometimes businesses can get tapped out with all of the fundraisers that go on throughout the winter months.
“We didn’t experience that, everyone was super generous… I had three different people show up at my office with donations that we never even contacted. They just heard about the event and knew we were taking donations and brought it and that’s amazing.”
Biemans noted that it was a lot of work putting the fundraiser together but said “to see it tonight it’s worth it” and says she was really grateful that so many people came out to support the club.
“It makes having events like this worthwhile and that’s what keeps stuff coming to Humboldt because otherwise without that we don’t get these events.”
Andrews was also really thankful to see so many people support the event and local music and says he plans to return in the near future.
“I’m really glad that local music’s on the up and up over here, on the rise over here and thanks for the support and we’ll see Humboldt again real soon and Englefeld.”
