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The inaugural 'Prince George LIVE!' virtual television special, which hoped to raise funds to donate to the areas of greatest need in the city, took place last night (Feb. 28) and surpassed its fundraising goal.
The event was designed to bring the community together with local music, art, comedy, dance, mixology, and more, all while raising funds for the Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF).
The initial goal of the unique event was $50,000, but that has gone beyond $55,000 and still counting.
Viewers were able to make donations by phone or online during the broadcast, as well as through an online silent auction which remains live until 7 p.m. tonight (March 1) and donations are still welcome beyond that deadline.
“We couldn’t be any more grateful for the support the community has shown for us with our initiative, Prince George LIVE! when we began planning this event, it was important for us to find a way to not just raise money but provide something back to the community at the same time,” says PGCF spokesperson Mindy Stroet.
“On behalf of the foundation, I would like to thank all of the partners, sponsors, entertainers, and viewers who helped make our event the prodigious success that it was. The funds we raised will have a tremendous impact through a variety of initiatives primarily rooted through our Greatest Need fund.”
Organizers say surpassing the goal of $50,000 was largely made possible due to a number of factors.
On top of donations pouring in online and over the phones, Jim and Noreen Rustad provided a $25,000 matching donation.
There was also a $15,000 anonymous donation made during the live-streamed special.
“Prince George LIVE! was designed to bring our community together; and I think we were successful in that!” says Kyle Sampson, who hosted, managed and produced the show, which is also part of the PGCF's 25th-anniversary celebration year.
“We worked to bring in some of the best talent in Prince George! Of course, getting all of the talented folks in our community was going to be impossible in a 90-minute time slot, we did try to pull together a wide variety of entertainment so that we could be of interest of a wider segment range of viewers. From dancers, musicians, a comedian, mixologist, to even a live artist, it was our goal to showcase how well rounded our communities performing arts can be; as well as to give these folks a chance to show off their talents for the first time in almost a year.”
The online silent auction features a number of items from local businesses, as well as a custom original painting by Emily Holmes Artwork.
During final hours of the auction, donation portals are set to remain open and the final fundraising total is expected to be unveiled some time this week.
Donations will be accepted all day today (March 1) by phone at 250-562-7772 or online via the PGCF's website.
