The 10th annual Cochrane and Area Humane Society (CAHS) ‘Saving Lives —Changing Lives Gala’ will take place at the Bragg Creek Centre June 7.
The biggest annual fundraiser for the local shelter, the 2013 event raised $52,000 for CAHS and tickets are still available at cochranehumane.ca.
The evening boasts a catered dinner, a silent and live auction, cocktails and entertainment provided by the Canadian country musician, Aaron Pritchett.
Cochrane country songstress, Kaleigh Jo Kirk, will open up for Pritchett.
“Our fundraising goal is $55,000 and the net proceeds go toward operational costs at the shelter,” said Denise Meade, fund development manager for CAHS.
“This year we will be doing a special twist — all of the bar sale proceeds will go toward ‘Norman’s Fund’, for the care and well being of cats at the shelter.
Norman, who passed earlier this year, was the beloved shelter cat who greeted visitors and kept staff and volunteers company at the CAHS for many years.
The mighty Eagle is currently holding a ticket giveaway contest to the Gala, a pair of tickets valued at $250 for best ‘pet selfie’ submission through Facebook or Twitter.
The winner of the ‘pet selfie contest’ will be announced June 5 at noon and posted on cochraneeagle.com.
Reflecting on his two decades as a recording artist, Pritchett is gearing up to release his second single of the year, “Boat on the Water”, a preview of what will be on his five-track EP later this year.
“I’m anticipating it to be a big summer song,” said Pritchett, whose anthemic hits “Hold My Beer” and “Let’s Get Rowdy” earned him significant mainstream radio play.
Pritchett is currently signed to Chad Krueger’s 604 Records label.
The Kitimat, B.C. native, who now lives on Gabriola Island, B.C., has always remained rooted in his Canadian cowboy boots.
A father of three, he said that being a dad took precedent over venturing across the border to take U.S. country audiences by storm, and considering his Canadian successes, it appears to have been a suitable decision.
Pritchett has received accolades and nods from critics, including several Canadian Country Music Association awards; his touring schedule has seen him join the likes of Alan Jackson, Brooks and Dunn and Toby Keith on stage.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” he said. “When I first got into the country music industry my goal was to have songs on the radio, videos on Country Music Television (CMT) and play for thousands — and I’ve done all that.”
As his 2014 release of the single, “Hold You Like My Whiskey” continues to climb the charts, Pritchett attributes his inspiration to being an entertainer and connecting with fans.
“It was in my blood since I was a kid — to perform,” said the singer/songwriter, whose humble karaoke host and cover band beginnings took a turn for the better when he won a nationwide talent search competition, ‘Project Discovery’, put on by CMT Canada in 2001.
It would seem as though country music does run in the family, as Pritchett’s 23-year-old son, Jordan, is beginning to collaborate with his father and try his hand at the country music scene.
Jordan is the lead guitarist for Juno-nominated B.C. pop-punk band, Faber Driver, also signed to 604 Records.
“When it comes to guitar, he’s still teaching me,” laughed Pritchett.
It’s a full plate of touring in the months ahead for Pritchett, who is also helping his family open and run The Surf Pub on Gabriola Island, this spring.
“I think my candle has about 17 ends right now…my schedule is super busy and I’m going all over the country.”
Pritchett said he loves to connect with fans on Twitter @AaronPritchett and on Facebook.
Learn more at aaron-pritchett.com.
