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Jam for Jenna raises over $16,000
Tyler Robinson Foundation matches revenue from fundraising event
Saturday night’s (Feb. 1) benefit concert raised over $8,000 through the support of many volunteers and generous donations from all of the local suppliers. With the matching gift from the Tyler Robinson Foundation, the total contribution to the Jenna Homeniuk Trust Fund will exceed $16,000.
Tyler Robinson was a 17-year-old cancer patient and an avid fan of the internationally acclaimed Imagine Dragons. He befriended, and remained very close with the band until his passing in March of 2013. Imagine Dragons have since partnered with Tyler’s family to form a foundation to support families struggling with cancer.
Jesse Robinson, Tyler’s older brother and executive director of the foundation, developed a particular interest in Jenna and her family. This led to their ultimate offer to match the funds raised at the Jam for Jenna concert. The news of this offer was received late Saturday night.
Almost 400 people attended the Jam for Jenna benefit concert at the McKim Theatre. Emcee Scott McInnis kept the night moving with great anecdotes and some bad musician jokes. Later in the evening he conducted the live auction for a dog-sled day trip sponsored by GOT Adventures. The auction raised $600 for the event. The crowd was entertained by a stellar line-up of musicians from the Kimberley area. The show opened with a high-energy performance by 60 Hertz followed by the earthy melodies of Van and Shelagh Redecopp (Sheva).
Sheva ended their set with the help of Joey Raymond, Kathy Murphy and Drew Lyall. Drew introduced the last number, ‘It’s Time’ by Imagine Dragons, with a heartwarming story connecting the Tyler Robinson Foundation and Imagine Dragons with the Jam for Jenna.
The crowd learned how the arbitrary choice of ‘It’s Time’ led to Drew’s discovery that Imagine Dragons have a particular empathy for families with children fighting cancer and the resulting financial and emotional pressures.
The second half of the show kicked off with the spine tingling harmonies and expert picking skills of The Rosie Brown Band. The program ended with a frenetic and powerful performance by Cranbrook’s own The Good Ol’ Goats.
Van Redecopp treated the crowd to a bonus finale as he was joined on stage by his wife Shelagh and all the other performers in a rousing rendition of ‘Rock Me Mama,’ which he dedicated to Jenna’s mom.
Contacted in Calgary after the concert, Jenna’s mom Paula said, “We are truly touched by everyone’s efforts and are so grateful for all that has been done. We love our home.”
Jenna and Paula are currently staying at the Rotary Flames house near Calgary’s Children’s Hospital. Jenna is awaiting her second bone marrow transplant.
Lead photo: Van and Shelagh Redecopp with members of the Good Old Goats in the back ground.
Photos courtesy Chris Newel
Submitted
