The Prince George Community Foundation’s (PGCF) silver season continues.
A new virtual show that’s set to go LIVE for viewers of all ages on Sunday, Feb. 28 is carrying on a fundraising event last year in hopes of donating to ‘areas of greatest need’ during COVID-19.
‘Prince George LIVE!’ is set to showcase local performers, artists and interviews from people that have benefited from financial boosts during the pandemic, with a goal to bring in $50,000 for more individuals and organizations to thrive in a time of uncertainty.
“The past year has been nothing like we’ve expected and there’s so many incredible stories that have come through that really highlight what Prince George is really made of,” said PGCF President Al LeFebvre during the online announcement today (Feb. 1).
“The Foundation is looking forward to providing a night of entertainment, connection and heart-warming stories while maintaining all of the provincial health authority rules. We hope that this event will help bring people together and that this evening will be extremely fun.”
Even more exciting, the PGCF is already halfway to that $50,000 mark.
This is thanks to Jim and Noreen Rustad, who provided a $25,000 donation to the ‘Prince George LIVE!’ campaign and allowing the Foundation to double its original goal.
“[Jim and Noreen] have been long time supporters of the Prince George Community Foundation and they are excited and thrilled to continue to support the Community Foundation in our 25th anniversary year,” said PGCF spokesperson Mindy Stroet. Noreen was a co-Citizen of the Year in 2019.
“And, in this true spirit of giving, they are challenging everybody to match their donation to make this a truly incredible event.”
Much like the Stay-at-Home Gala, a first-of-its-kind event that took place May 2, 2020 and brought in more than $53,000 for the PGCF Emergency Response Fund, the latest event will be of a similar format.
Performers will be displaying their talents for everyone to view, while also being encouraged to make a donation before or during the segments in a variety of options.
PGCF President LeFebvre says more details are coming soon on how to do so, but two components include the following:
- Virtual silent auction on Feb. 22
- Farmhouse Catering order-in dinner program
- Partial proceeds going to PGCF
Kyle Sampson is set to appear as host of ‘Prince George LIVE!’ after benign tasked with the same opportunity with the Stay-at-Home Gala.
He says having virtual events during COVID-19 are important as it gives residents something to look forward to when not much is going on.
“The group of us just tried to put our minds together to try and find the best means of moving forward. It’s really just been piecing it together over the last several months to try to come up with what we can do. Trying to keep people engaged, trying to find content that matters and that people are going to be interested in and also trying to make the most impact for donations and the Community Foundation.”
Some of the local performers include Studio 720, Rick Stavely, artist Emily Holmes and comedian Mike McGuire with more expected to be announced ahead of the show.
More information about the event is posted on the PGCF’s website.
‘Prince George LIVE!’ will be broadcast on Feb. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via the PGCF’s Facebook page, website, and on CKPG TV.
