On Saturday, November 4, 2017 award-winning Canadian artists, The Trews and Dean Brody, were revealed as the surprise entertainment at the 30th Country Classic Auction (CCA) – a large charitable event supporting London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
This is the eighth time CCA presented by Siskinds LLP has kept the entertainment a secret from the event-goers and the first time two headliners performed. Past artists include Barenaked Ladies, Blue Rodeo, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, Great Big Sea, Serena Ryder, Burton Cummings and Walk Off The Earth. The Trews and Dean Brody treated more than 1,150 guests to a fantastic show.
The Trews, a rock band from Nova Scotia, hit the stage first playing hits like “Highway of Heroes” and “Not Ready to Go.” Following their performance was Canadian country artist, Dean Brody, best known for his songs “Canadian Girls” and “Bringing Down the House.”
The show is the finale to a fun-filled night for guests who don their country duds to support LHSC – playing games, enjoying a gourmet BBQ dinner and bidding to their heart’s content on 17 experiential live auction items and 400+ silent auction items.
Organized by London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) and brought to life by hundreds of volunteers, community partners and donors for the last 30 years, this event has become one of the region’s largest charitable auctions and has successfully raised over $10M for LHSC.
“It truly is the outstanding commitment of Siskinds, Shoppers Drug Mart, National Bank Financial, and all our partners, along with our dedicated volunteers and donors who made Country Classic Auction so amazing this year,” says CCA Co-Chair Reg Jackson.
A highlight for many was the “Make a Difference Appeal” segment that specifically supported mental health care. Following a solo performance of Make you feel my love the emotionally charged crowd raised bid cards and in 15 short minutes donated a total of $200,000.
"One-hundred percent of the proceeds raised during the Appeal will help our hospital support programs for people in the community at the earliest signs of mental health difficulties,” says LHSF President and CEO, John MacFarlane.
Additional funds raised from the event will support the highest priority needs of the hospital, which includes investing in equipment, research projects, and ultimately helping patients across the region for generations to come.
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