As young Jack Elias reaches his first birthday on Nov. 3, he and his young family will be pleased to know that Yellowknifers are showing their love and support for his full recovery.
Rebecca Davis and Nancy MacNeill, co-organized the All You Need Is Love – A Beatles' Tribute and Celebration of Love and Music” fundraiser for the Elias family at Top Knight, over the weekend. Both events sold out and it was estimated more than $3,000 was raised as 10 bands played their favourite Beatles tunes to enthusiastic crowds.
Flora and the Fireweeds was one of 10 musical acts featured at the “All You Need Is Love – A Beatles' Tribute and Celebration of Love and Music” fundraiser at Top Knight, over the weekend. From left are Patrick Jacobson, Brian Weadick, Alyssa Holland, Brie O'Keefe and Eva Paul who are singing a medley of 'Girl' and 'Norwegian Wood' from the Rubber Soul album.
“We were full house both nights,” Davis said. “We did really well when it came to getting the response from Yellowknife.Without pre-selling tickets, it was great because everyone showed up at once and were there from the beginning of the show and stayed all night.”
More than $2,000 was raised in donations from the event itself and additional money was still being counted on Monday from food and beverage sales, a Cabin Radio telethon, a Go Fund Me page, and further sponsorship from more donors, Davis said.
Clyde Elias and Tara Wedzin said in an interview Tuesday that their son Jack is set to turn one next month and has left Stollery Children's Hospital recently. He is currently on a waiting list for a heart transplant due to ailments and medical interventions that have taken place over the past year.
“We're very thankful for everything that Yellowknife has done and even from people outside of Yellowknife,” Elias said. “It has been amazing how people come together and help. It is very heart warming.”
The Beatles event was one of three that have been held by Davis and MacNeill, which have included the Dead Poets' Society - a musical tribute celebration of all those we've loved and lost, which was held in April. The pair also hosted a Tragically Hip tribute called The Last Of The Unplucked Gems - A Tragically Hip Tribute & Benefit Concert, held in April 2017.