A concert held in Kelowna raised nearly $20,000 to support the creation of a memorial for the five men who tragically died in the city’s 2021 crane collapse. The event, hosted by the Revelry Food and Music Hub, featured country musician Aaron Pritchett and the band Proper Man. Organizers announced that the funds raised would go towards purchasing a large oak “legacy tree” to symbolize everlasting life and the memories of the deceased men. Construction on the Rise Memorial was originally scheduled to begin in May, but faced delays due to issues with sourcing contractors. Plans are now in place to start construction in the summer.
Danielle Pritchett, the mother of one of the victims, Cailen Vilness, expressed the personal significance of raising funds for a permanent memorial. She mentioned that a makeshift memorial was erected at the site of the collapse shortly after the tragedy, with community members leaving flowers, notes, and photos. Pritchett found comfort in the outpouring of condolences at the temporary memorial, despite its short-lived existence. Those interested in contributing to the new memorial project are encouraged to reach out to the Rise Memorial Foundation at contact@risememorial.com.
The Rise Memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Brad Zawislak, Patrick Stemmer, and Eric Stemmer, the five individuals who lost their lives in the crane collapse. The concert held at the Revelry Food and Music Hub was part of ongoing efforts to honor the memory of these men and provide their families and the community with a place for reflection and remembrance. With the funds raised from the event, organizers hope to move forward with the construction of the memorial in the coming months, creating a meaningful space that will stand as a reminder of the lives lost on that tragic day.
The delay in beginning construction on the Rise Memorial was a result of challenges in securing contractors for the project. Despite this setback, plans are now in motion to start construction during the summer season. The memorial will be a significant addition to Kelowna, offering a dedicated space for visitors to pay their respects to the victims of the crane collapse and find solace in the memories of those who passed away. The memorial’s symbolic “legacy tree” will stand as a reminder of the enduring impact of the five men and serve as a symbol of hope and remembrance for the community.
The outpouring of support from the community, as demonstrated through the successful fundraising concert, highlights the unity and compassion within Kelowna in the face of tragedy. The Rise Memorial Foundation continues to welcome donations and contributions from those wishing to support the construction of the memorial. The project represents a collaborative effort to honor the lives of the five men who lost their lives in the crane collapse and provide a meaningful space for healing and reflection. By coming together to support the creation of the memorial, the community is showing solidarity and strength in the face of loss and tragedy.
Overall, the fundraising concert held at the Revelry Food and Music Hub was a significant step towards realizing the vision of the Rise Memorial and providing a lasting tribute to the five men who died in the Kelowna crane collapse. The efforts to raise funds for the memorial project reflect a deep sense of community spirit and a commitment to honoring the memory of the victims. As plans for the memorial’s construction progress, the support and contributions from the community will play a vital role in bringing the project to fruition and creating a meaningful space for remembrance and reflection in Kelowna.
