Airdrie Community Choir (ACC) will be hosting an online raffle in an attempt to raise funds for the organization that has been operating in Airdrie for the past 36 years.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that the choir is not able to host their annual Spring Concert, board members have moved the fundraiser online.
“The arts are such an important part of our own self care,” says Leslee Sanderman, president of the ACC board of directors.
“Music has wonderful healing and spirit-lifting abilities that can really help us through this restrictive time. We are still here trying to continue to be a part of the community that we love under the current restrictions.”
ACC has held the Spring Concert in April or May at the Lutheran Church of the Master since the organization was formed in the mid-1980s.
The event usually raises between $3,000 and $4,000 per year that is used for the choir’s expenses, honorariums, music and space rentals as well as to keep membership fees affordable.
“Of course, we’re hoping it will sell out – so we’re hoping to raise the $5,000 pot ($2,500 for us, $2,500 for the winner),” says Sanderman.
“Then if it is successful, we may choose to host one more in the New Year – in hopes to either set us up for when we can meet again or to help sustain the virtual choir program that we’ve been running.”
ACC has between 60 and 65 members and has been operating with virtual choir programs since the first pandemic lockdown in March.
“The health and safety of our members and those in the community is the most important thing to us,” says Sanderman.
“We miss those smiles, hugs and nights of ‘getting our sing on,’ but it’s for the greater good – we just can’t wait to be able to see everyone again.”
ACC recently launched their spring season. Registration opened on Dec. 1 and the choir will host the first song Zoom rehearsal on Jan. 4. For more information about the Spring season, click here.
Raffle tickets are one for $10, three for $20, 10 for $50 and 30 for $100, minimum payout is $1,000 and the maximum is $2,500. The draw will be held Dec. 28. To purchase tickets, click here.
stacie@frogmediainc.ca
