One impact of COVID is redefining what an experience is. An adventure experience pre-COVID is quite different than what I might call an adventure now.
It all started when a few friendly requests (or more) from Diabetes Canada appeared in my in-box to help celebrate 100 years of insulin and join their fundraising campaign – Lace Up for Diabetes. This spring I had already run three races for our local hospital’s cardiac care unit and felt I couldn’t do more fundraising this year – at least I couldn’t go back to the well of friends and family. Most of you know Diabetes Canada is one of my favourite charities. I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes for nearly 46 years and have benefited in so many ways from their work. After a while I couldn’t resist the call. But, how to fundraise without asking for sponsorship?
In early July, BC was moving into phase 3 of its COVID recovery plan. This meant that people could start socializing and getting out, and gathering in a small way after living for 15 months without. I love music of almost every genre. My little hamlet of Shirley (less than 500 households) has a community centre. Pre-COVID we had our fair share of live music there under the umbrella of Shirley Loves Music. So, I started noodling the idea of organizing a small concert in this post-COVID world. People were ready to get out. People were hungry for music. Our hall could be rented but hadn’t been rented in nearly a year. Musicians were dying for work. After a conversation with Shannon, the director of Shirley Loves Music, our 100 Years of Jazz, Celebrating 100 Years of Insulin concert was born.
Well, this wasn’t a physically challenging adventure like hiking the Rockies or canoeing the Nahanni River, but it was an adventure in learning how to replicate the life of a concert promoter, manager, master of everything concert related, media guru and understanding what an audience would appreciate in a safe environment – not fully free of COVID. I also had the experience of a lifetime but you’ll have to read further for more on that. And, raising in $1,260 in one night was no small feat – another adventure.
I designed the tickets, sold and promoted them at the Shirley country market, solicited prizes, hung posters, created my own prize baskets, and developed ideas as to how to make the evening more meaningful, tying jazz and diabetes into the evening’s mix. Even my kindergarten skills of cutting and pasting were dusted off and put to use as every attendee got a personalized loot bag, each featuring a different jazz artist on front. I made 44 bags, designed diabetes themed quizzes and crossword puzzles and had a jazz wordsearch. With the generosity of many, we had door prizes, raffle prizes and beautiful silent auction art. Whew. Thank goodness for Andy and friends who offered to help too. They were invaluable.
Fast forward to jazz night.
I couldn’t seem to get that silly grin off my face. My heart was beating. My hips were swaying. That feel-good sensation took over and my body released any tension there might have been. My moment of fame had finally come – that once-in-a-life-time experience. There I was, in front of 40 people, black swing skirt in motion, saxophone broach to remind me of jazz, wooden Mingo’s Music Store clappers in hand, and beside me, Andy, making my debut as a band member. (Perhaps that’s a slight exaggeration). Andy had the Newfoundland spoons. A local woman, Vivi, to his right, had cluster bells she snatched from the rhythm instrument table, held high in her hand – ready to perform as well. Carol had the thunder stick – a big impressive instrument. Other instruments of choice included the triangle and shakers. The moment we’d been waiting for came. Kent and Rea, our fabulous jazz duo belted out Peggy’s Lee’s “Fever” as seven of us brave souls played our new instruments to the tune, becoming one heck of a rhythm section for the live band. It was the highlight of my night, having that rare chance to play with the duo – for a fee of course! (It was a fundraiser after all). We must not have played too badly. We were invited up on stage later that evening to play along with “I’ve Got Rhythm.”
Raffle, auction, refreshments 
Donated art work 
Rae captivates the audience
As I look back and smile at the success, I think about why. It was an evening of some social interaction, some needed laughs with friends, and a chance to say hello to someone new, face-to-face. Music sooths the soul and it was easy to see the smiles on everyone’s faces throughout the evening. Andy is now calling me impresario, much to my delight. Who knows, maybe this COVID situation has found a new volunteer career for me as a concert manger/promoter. But, more importantly, I just might take up percussion. What an adventure getting up on stage and being part of something musical. Adventures are not all challenging physical feats.
Leslie in action selling tickets and checking out the silent auction art
What a wonderful evening for all! Leslie… my dear cousin you are really something!! Give you an idea and you are off to the races. The theme of your event had a ring to it if our wonderful family reunion events you have organized over the years.
Love looks like everyone had a wonderful time! Kudos to raising money for your favourite cause in such a fun way.
Love Janet
Congratulations. I’m not surprised that you succeeded but I am surprised you chose to go there. Covid and its consequences are inviting us / forcing us out of our comfort zones. Well done. Susan
What an inspiring story of passion, dedication and can-do attitude! Leslie, thank you for organizing such a fantastic celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of insulin. Wish I could have been there to experience the buzz and energy in the room. Thank you for your ongoing support to Diabetes Canada.
Best,
What a fun evening! Full of surprise and delight. A good time was had by all. Thank you for organizing and inspiring!
Well done Leslie Ann, and all of your helpers. You looked good on stage, we’ll expect a performance on our next Zoom call. All the best!!
I love everything about this, a great cause and a great evening to help the cause. Enjoyed the part where you got to go up on stage. I’m sure that was fun. Good job Leslie, you’ve been busy. Also a well written article.
You have such a talent for writing with vivid description. Had I not been there I’d have felt as though I was. Thanks for your share and a wonderful event!
So glad it worked out. Not only did you raise money for an important charity, but you raised the spirits of those in attendance – an important accomplishment in a time of Covid.