As Brett Kissel’s popularity continues to grow, so does his charitable giving. The reigning CCMA Male Artist of the Year and previous year’s Fan’s Choice award winner is in the midst of a 50+ date cross Canada tour, but he has still found time to use his celebrity to raise money for important causes. Case and point was Brett’s appearance at the STARS Air Ambulance Gala last night. Not only did Brett and his band perform, but he also helped raise $160,000 in 15 minutes.

Brett surprised the crowd when he spontaneously stole the microphone during the live auction to donate a private house concert and a trip to Nashville.  When each experience landed near $40,000, Kissel ‘doubled down’, adding an extra trip and an extra concert to raise a total of $160,000 in 15 minutes.  

Kissel’s father was carried by STARS in July of this year after a farming accident, so the event was both personal and emotional for Canada’s biggest country star.

The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) held its 24th annual STARS & Spurs Gala bringing the total funds raised to over $15 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) since its inception. This is the longest-running and largest fundraiser in Alberta.  This year’s gala raised a record $1,151,057.