ELORA – Addison Hill had a sharp wit, an enduring smile and a never-give-up attitude.
And while she succumbed to sarcoma cancer in 2022, it’s her positive energy, sense of humour, resilience and huge heart that her family and friends remember.
And those are the qualities that will be celebrated on Sept. 23 as Team Addy hosts a “Concert with Addy-tude.”
The concert is a fundraiser for Dr. David Malkin and his research team at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
Team Addy has set a goal of raising $500,000 for Dr. Malkin’s sarcoma cancer research and in just two years of organizing Family Fun Day, has already raised more than $250,000.
Andy Speers and Curt McQueen were moved to do more.
Speers was Addison’s teacher at Elora Public School and McQueen was her principal.
“Why not bring people together for a great evening of music in honour of Addy, and support the fundraising efforts at the same time?” Speers explained.
They approached the Riverfest Elora officials, who were immediately on board.
And together they’ve organized a number of musicians who have their own “Addy-tude”:
- Elora resident and vocalist Lauren Roy will open the evening;
- Georgia Harmer will follow. Harmer comes from a long line of musicians. She is a niece of Sarah Harmer and daughter of Mary Harmer and Gord Tough who together were part of the ‘90s band the Weeping Tiles;
- Stacey Kay and her band will return to Elora for this concert. Kay was a finalist on America’s Got Talent and runner-up on Canada’s Got Talent and she performed a private benefit concert last year for Team Addy; and
- 2022 Juno Award winners the Monowhales are the headliners and lead singer Sally Shaar and the band will bring the right energy and vibe to this Concert with Addy-tude, organizers say.
The concert will be held at the new outdoor MacDonald Pavilion outside the Elora Centre for the Arts.
“We built this venue so that our community could gather and experience artistic expression, literally in our own backyard – what better way to kick off the new pavilion than a community event that means so much to all of us,” said art centre director Lianne Carter.
Doors open at 4pm and the show starts at 5pm. Tickets are $45 for adults; children under 12 are free with a paying adult.
This is a licensed event.
Jessica Hill, Addison’s mother, said she is humbled and excited by the initiative.
“Their willingness to embrace an idea, contribute their time, resources, and emotional energy is remarkable,” said Hill.
“Our family knew that with their support, we could create an event that would not only make a lasting impact raising funds for sarcoma research, but also a way to bring our community together to inspire hope and celebrate Addy’s life.”
Tickets can be purchased at ticketscene.ca.
For more information, visit www.teamaddy.ca.
