March 1st was a night that many students, volunteers, and Edmontonians will never forget. Grade Nine Leadership Students at Riverbend Junior High School, along with help from Grade Eight Leadership Students and all other class rooms, as well as volunteers, organized and hosted an impressive concert and silent auction – Benefit for Bissell 2012, presented by Lexus of Edmonton – at the beautiful Citadel Theatre.
As guests arrived they were escorted upstairs to the silent auction tables where 65 items were on display for bidding. Among the most notable were a signed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins jersey, a signed Taylor Hall jersey, a hot air balloon ride, numerous gift baskets and other fabulous items donated by local businesses.
Local performers (listed below) donated their time and talent to ensure the students reached their goal of raising $15,000 for Bissell Centre and in support of our vision to eliminate poverty in our community.
– Maren Ord – Juno nominee
– Livy Jeanne – award winning country singer/songwriter
– Madi Amyotte – The Next Star finalist
– Martin Kerr – Canadian Idol contestant
– Jeff Ramsey – local musician
The night’s host, Ryan Jespersen from Citytv’s Breakfast Television, was entertaining as always. Also in attendance was Mayor Stephen Mandel who delivered an inspirational message about youth leadership and ending poverty in Edmonton, and Honourable Dave Hancock, Minister of Human Services who gave a speech about addressing the issues of homelessness as a community.
Year after year Riverbend Jr. High continues to raise money for Bissell Centre by organizing coin drives, hot lunches, dances, and much more. This year they were able to exceed their fundraising goal for the Benefit for Bissell Concert by securing sponsorships, numerous donations, selling tickets to the event, and through a well organized silent auction. Their hard work paid off and they raised approximately $23,000 for Bissell Centre!
We are extremely grateful and continuously impressed by the kind hearts and leadership skills of the students at Riverbend Jr. High School. Keep up the great work class, these skills will take you very far in your life!