Here are some of our special events organized by The Crisp.
What an incredible effort! Pender Island’s community came together for a benefit concert that raised an approximate $46,000 for Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Organized in just one week by The Crisp Festival (a SGI CRC Event) and sponsored by Ptarmigan Arts, the event proved the power of community spirit.
The fundraiser began with Crisp Festival organizer Jo Beattie contacting musician Mac Demarco, a new Pender resident. Mac generously offered to have his band perform, kicking off a flurry of community support. Darcie and Alan Whittingham immediately offered their Camp Cowbell as the perfect outdoor venue, and Lisa Fleming of Ptarmigan Arts jumped in managing donations and providing some of the sound equipment. Ripley Stafford and JoJo Beattie then did their magic with social media! Greg Beattie organising production came next, pieces fell into place!
The night was a special moment for young local band The Dip, who opened the show, fulfilling a promise from Mac. The crowd also heard from Georgia Keefe, who came from Vancouver to speak on behalf of MSF, sharing the organization’s important mission.
Volunteers from The Crisp and Ptarmigan Arts worked hard to pull it all off. Thanks to the RCMP, Fire and Ambulance Services for their support! The community responded in full force, with locals and off-island fans showing up to support the cause. In a final act of generosity, Mac Demarco matched all donations, helping to push the total to an impressive $46,000. These funds will directly support MSF’s work providing medical care in over 70 countries.
On behalf of The Crisp, Jo and Greg Beattie wish to thank everyone involved, with a special shout-out to Mac Demarco, his band, Darcie and Alan Whittingham, Todd and Deb Bulled, Lisa Fleming and Ptarmigan Arts, and the other volunteers who made it all possible, especially mcee Ben McConchie, Ian Pirie and his security crew, Janet Fletcher, Art Van Vliet and their parking crew, Chris McKenzie and Sarah Rae for helping with our videographer Joel, The Dip and all their friends! Special thanks also to Barb Grimmer, Karl Hampson and photographers Rose Da Silva and Kenta Kikuchi!
Mac’s comment on the event “I’m so happy the show formulated in the way it did. So much help from tons or awesome people, all for a good cause. Really felt like the perfect way to cap off a summer on Pender. Hopefully we can make a tradition of it. Long live The Dip”
CHORUS
We’re turning the tide, coming together, sticking through all the stormy weather
The plan is in motion, we move like the ocean, let the waves take us somewhere better
Cause’ I’m done running, I’m done hiding, I’m here with something to say
We’re turning the tide to a new day
So grab us a kayak, paddle around, from the north down to Puget Sound
With the wind as our sail, we’ll dance with the whales,
until we’re Pender Island bound
Then here comes the singer, singing his song, till’ the whole coast is singing along
Like turning a tide
CHORUS
I’m in love with the islands, in love with the shores,
I don’t think I could love em’ anymore
In love with the people, in love the towns, in love with the sights, I’m in love with the sounds
In love with the feeling, the feeling I get, it’s a feeling I could never forget
Like turning a tide
CHORUS
It’s gonna get higher
BY LUKE WALLACE