A mother in Kelowna, B.C., whose son died in a crane collapse in the city’s downtown, is organizing a benefit concert to raise funds for a memorial honoring all five victims. Danielle Pritchett, the mother of Cailen Vilness, has already raised over $200,000 through a United Way BC campaign for the memorial at Knowles Heritage Park. The concert, featuring Canadian country artist Aaron Pritchett, is designed to help reach the campaign’s $225,000 goal for the memorial’s construction and maintenance. Pritchett shared that Aaron Pritchett, who is like family to her, has graciously agreed to perform at the concert to support the cause.
The benefit concert, scheduled for May 19 at the Revelry Food and Music Hub in Kelowna, will also include an opening act by Jason Parkes and his band Proper Man. Parkes emphasized the importance of celebrating the event with positive energy, especially for the families affected by the tragedy and the community as a whole. The venue for the concert was generously provided free of charge by the owner of Revelry, who felt a strong connection to the cause after the crane collapse occurred in the downtown area where the venue is located.
For Pritchett, the memorial construction represents a significant step in her healing process since her son’s untimely passing nearly three years ago. Not having a dedicated place to reflect, grieve, and honor her son has been challenging for her, but the upcoming memorial site at Knowles Heritage Park will provide her and the other families of the victims with a meaningful place to heal and remember their loved ones. Ticket packages for the benefit concert range from general admission to VIP packages with backstage access and meet-and-greets with the artists. A silent auction will also be held, featuring prizes such as a private backyard BBQ with Aaron Pritchett.
The construction of the memorial site is set to begin in May and is expected to be completed by July 12, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of the tragedy. Pritchett expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to honor all the men who lost their lives in the crane collapse through the creation of the memorial. The concert and fundraising efforts are aimed at bringing the community together to support the families affected and to commemorate the lives lost in the tragic event. Overall, the event serves as a beacon of hope and remembrance for those impacted by the crane collapse in Kelowna.
