Aug 31, 2015
GARTH BROOKS, BRETT KISSEL, W. BRETT WILSON, AND MOSAIC, HELP RAISE MILLIONS IN SASKATCHEWAN!
SASKATOON / REGINA – Yesterday, global phenomenon – Garth Brooks – performed and helped raise millions in both Saskatoon and Regina, for the brand new Child Life Zone in Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital. Over four (4) million dollars was raised to build the Child Life Zone, a zone created by Brooks’ foundation Teammates for Kids, which will be the first of its’ kind in Canada, and only the 12th center in the world.
Canadian philanthropist, and North Battleford, Saskatchewan native, W. Brett Wilson, the honorary co-chair of the Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital, contributed one (1) million to the fundraising campaign, while Saskatchewan potash company, Mosaic, contributed three (3) million to the zone.
Brooks, who’s Teammates for Kids foundation hosted the joint galas in both major cities in the province, performed an intimate set to two hundred people who paid handsomely for the opportunity to not only experience the one on one concert, but also meet the superstar in a private meet and greet. The star studded event, swarming with sports celebrities, was emceed by Barry Melrose and Kelly Chase, and had a hefty ticket price of $5,000 for the exclusive gala that was “worth every penny” according to attendees.
Brett Kissel, a surprise addition to the evenings’ entertainment, performed in both Saskatoon and Regina, taking time off from his summer tour to attend the event and support the cause. This Saturday, Kissel will perform for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, as one of only a small handful of Canadians to ever play on the sacred stage.
From the Teammates for Kids stage last night, Kissel proclaimed: “I couldn’t miss out on an opportunity to give back to the province of Saskatchewan, and be a part of such a historic event. Leave it to this province to host such a special night, and raise such a significant amount of money. You should all be proud.”
Photos were taken with many notable celebrities in attendance that included Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, Philadelphia Flyers Luke Schenn, former NHL Star Wade Redden, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Weston Dressler. But the personal photo with Garth Brooks was everyone’s highlight.
“The support of Teammates for Kids will allow our province’s children to have the very best within their new hospital and we are grateful for the support and generosity of Mr. Brooks, who insisted on taking the time to meet and take pictures with everyone in attendance,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.
“This rare opportunity to enjoy some personal interaction with Mr. Brooks while helping Saskatchewan children and families at the same time, is something truly unique” explained Boback-Lane. “He appeared at both fundraisers free of charge and Brooks, along with Teammates for Kids, covered the overhead charge for both events.”
The world’s top selling male artist of all time – in Brooks, together with Canada’s fastest rising country star – in Kissel, mixed with the philanthropic efforts of both W. Brett Wilson and Mosaic, combined with the incredible organization and forward thinking of the Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital Foundation, made for a legitimate once in a lifetime event.