STOMP & STEP RAISES $21,885.00
SOLD OUT EVENT LARGEST TO DATE IN OKANAGAN FOR WILDFIRE RELIEF
October 5, 2023 – Kelowna, BC: More than 400 people came out September 29th to the sold-out Stomp & Step Wildfire Relief Fundraiser dance filling the OK Corral Cabaret and raising $21,885.00 for the Central Okanagan Foundation’s Wildfire Response Fund.
Organized by local musicians Jim & Kim Rhindress, the event is the largest to date to help victims of the 2023 Okanagan wildfires. The event took five weeks to plan and the wheels began turning two days after the fire storm raged through West Kelowna and Kelowna.
“We knew we had to do something,” says Kim, “and music is what we know how to do. Our first call was to our friend Ben Klick who immediately said that he would play for the event along with his buddy Michael Daniels.” “We asked the OK Corral to host and without hesitation they agreed,” adds Jim.
“We did some brain-storming to find a fun name and really liked the idea of the firefighters stomping out the fires so we could step up and give to rebuild,” adds Kim, “Stomp & Step now had a venue, musicians and a title. Media sponsors New Country 100.7, Castanet, Rogers and Global all come on board then Fortis stepped up to be our corporate sponsor.”
New Country 100.7 morning show co-host Sasha Spencer emceed along with Michelle Dupuis for the 5-hour night that included non-stop live music by four bands Mr. & Mrs. Strauss, Ben Klick, Rhindress and Michael Daniels.
A LIVE auction was held including a $1,300 spa weekend for two at Sparkling Hill, a $1,500 electric guitar from JR Guitar and a $2,000 helicopter ride from Coldstream Helicopters. Also included in the evening were a 50/50 draw and a silent auction with items ranging from a diamond necklace to wine tours, to paint parties and even a hand-made king-sized quilt donated by a Kelowna woman in her 90s.
“Kelowna really stepped up to make this happen,” Jim says with emotion, “we were overwhelmed by everyone who volunteered and donated – this is a town full of generous people and we are proud to call it home.”
CONTACT: Kim Rhindress 250.878.8724 Rhindressduo@gmail.com Rhindress.ca
Presentation photo: Organizers Jim & Kim Rhindress, Central Okanagan Foundation: Cheryl Miller –Grants & Community Initiatives and Kristine Bugayong, Executive Director
