Cochrane High School plans to raise money for their school’s band program with their second annual "Silent Auction Jazz Gala Fundraiser" on Mar. 21.
The fundraiser will take place at Cochrane High School from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.ca for $22.50, which includes a drink voucher, snack, and entry into a raffle.
Organizer of the event, Candice McFeeters, explained that the fundraiser supports the Cochrane High School band, while also subsidizing the Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) program for students.
“It helps buy instruments, pay for clinicians, and for them to do tours and field trips,” McFeeters said. “It’s all around a great cause.”
This year, the event will be hosted in the school gymnasium. In terms of the total amount raised for their inaugural event, McFeeters said it raised around $8,000.
“Last year’s funds were dedicated to buying a baritone saxophone, since the school has never owned one yet,” she said. “It was $7,500, so it just showed how expensive the instruments are.”
This year’s auction will feature several donations from Cochrane businesses. In addition, art work by Cochrane High School students will also be up for sale, alongside a live musical showcase by the Cochrane High School band.
McFeeters hopes that the school eventually turns this event into an annual affair, adding that she appreciates how it brings the community together for a good cause.
“My daughter is graduating this year, but I’m going to stick it out for one more year just because I helped organize it the first year, and then we’re just hoping to get bigger and cooler each year,” she said.
Donations for the silent auction are being accepted up until the morning of Mar. 21. For anyone looking to make a donation, they can do so by calling McFeeters via 403-619-0633 or emailing [email protected]. Donations can also be left at Cochrane High School at the care of Mr. Benson, the music director of Cochrane High School.
