In 2005, when Georgia Straight Jazz Society was on the brink of incorporation, a group of jazz musicians got together at short notice and hosted a marathon event in the old Native Sons’ Hall for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
Six thousand dollars was raised one Saturday.
Two years ago, the Jazz Society offered a hastily organized but nevertheless stunning Thursday night concert at the Elks featuring non-stop music, thanks to generosity of six different bands. Seven thousand dollars was sent to Haiti via Save the Children Canada.
Each of these seemed like a drop in the bucket given the magnitude of the disasters. But such is the conscience we respond to from our privileged position in Comox Valley; we do what we can to help.
Once again, we’re offering you your chance to come out and show your generosity. Our volunteers have been busy co-ordinating the event, and many of our regular acts and musicians have responded warmly to our invitation to make this event a wonderful and memorable success.
This coming Saturday, the Society will offer a super marathon from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Avalanche Bar and Grill on Eighth Street. Seven bands are set to play one hour spots, with a final 60-minute culmination of a “super jam.”
We’ve undertaken some ambitious events, but this one tops the lot! With co-operation from The Av, we’ll be set up to run right through the afternoon and evening, complete with special fundraising prizes.
The price of entry is a donation to the Canadian Red Cross. Tax receipts will be offered for donations of $20 or more, and all funds will be deposited directly to the Red Cross.
As such, any donation you make will be matched by the federal government. This event is entirely charitable; all donations are destined for the Red Cross and its relief efforts to help survivors in the Philippines.
— Georgia Straight Jazz Society