MOOSE JAW — For those who missed Rory Allen’s record-setting finale at “Concerts in the Park,” the Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) is offering another chance to see the acclaimed Elvis tribute artist live this fall.
Allen will headline the Festival of Trees “All Shook Up” Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Temple Gardens Centre curling rink. The event promises a lively mix of hot pancakes, toe-tapping tunes, and Elvis-style fun — all in support of local health care.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support the Foundation and enjoy an amazing evening of music,” said Kelly McElree, CEO of the MJHF. “Seeing thousands of people fill Crescent Park and generously donate to enhance our MRI services shows how deeply our community cares about local health care. And Rory Allen — what a showman! We’re thrilled to have him return this fall for an encore performance at our new Festival of Trees ‘All Shook Up’ Pancake Breakfast.”
The announcement came during Allen’s Aug. 20 performance at the Crescent Park amphitheatre, which closed out the 30th season of Concerts in the Park. That show drew more than 2,000 people — the largest audience in the event’s history.
McElree said Allen was delighted by the atmosphere and reception from Moose Jaw audiences.
“Oh yeah, he thought (the experience) was amazing … he was absolutely thrilled,” McElree said. “He loves coming to Moose Jaw and … he’s thrilled to come back and do an encore performance at the breakfast (fundraiser).”
Replacing the Festival’s traditional brunch, the new pancake breakfast is designed as a casual and family-friendly fundraiser. Hosted by the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary, it will feature Allen’s live performance, transporting audiences back to the golden era of rock ’n’ roll, a hearty breakfast, and the chance to browse the Festival’s decorated auction items and trees.
“All the funds we raise at the breakfast are going to go directly to enhancing and upgrading the MRI at the hospital,” McElree said. “We just want everyone to come out, (show their) support, and have a great time. Listen to some fantastic music and take a look at all the marvellously decorated auction items and trees that are going to be there. It's going to be a great family afternoon with some great entertainment and just a dynamite breakfast.”
The Foundation’s current “Faster Scans, Better Care” campaign is focused on modernizing the hospital’s MRI system, which provides thousands of scans each year with rural Saskatchewan’s only MRI. Once upgraded, the unit will increase scan volume, reduce wait times, and provide more accurate diagnostics close to home.
Tickets are available now at the Temple Gardens Centre box office at 110 First Avenue Northwest, as well as online through SaskTix.ca, with prices starting at $20 each.
For more information on the Moose Jaw Health Foundation or to donate, visit MJHF.org or call 306-694-0373.
