The October 8, 2011 Out of the Storm benefit concert started as a small idea and grew into an outstanding success. With the likes of Matthew Good, Arkells, Serena Ryder and Blueschild, the concert raised a total of $152,270.00. The funds will be matched 2:1 by the provincial government to reach a grand total of $456,810.00 for relief efforts.
“A number of our generous sponsors had to complete their bookkeeping and we had some final expensed that had to be paid before we could announce the final amount” says Matt Hoy, chair of the Out of the Storm Committee “We wanted to make sure every penny was accounted for, and knew the cut off date to take advantage of Provinicial fund matching was imminent.
After the devastating F3 tornado on August 21 in Goderich, many people in the area knew that a huge amount of money had to be raised. Community groups and individual volunteers quickly connected and got to work on the event. “We knew we had to work really fast, but it had to be done right,” said Larry Graff, of the Goderich Kinsmen Club. “We didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out perfect!”
In addition to raising much-need funds, other major objectives of the event were to create awareness with the outside public and to bring the community together. With over 4000 people in attendance, from across Canada and part of the US, it was shown to be a huge success.
“The hairs on my arms were on end when a video of personal accounts from the tornado where shown” noted Hoy “There were thousands of people at the concert, but you could hear a pin drop and I was not the only one to shed a tear.”
Concert goers not only had the opportunity to watch over 20 bands, there were activities and food for all. Local artists came out to help with hope flags and a quilting square. A children’s area had stations where kids could do many different arts and crafts. Area restaurants provided mouthwatering fare. For Goderich and area restaurants that were at the event who had lost or had damage to their businesses in the tornado, the concert was a great way for them to tell the public that they were coming back or already back in business.
The event had an amazing volunteer committee who dedicated many hours to make this event successful. The committee couldn’t have done it without the major sponsors and hard work of the volunteers. “The stage, sound and lighting were donated, as well as most of the advertising,” said Hoy. “The community support was overwhelming.”
For more information about the event or future fundraisers for Goderich relief efforts please visit www.goderich.ca.
