Staff Reports
The 32nd annual Our Hospice Concert featuring headlining act Randy Bachman, which drew more than 9,000 people Sept. 1 to Mill Race Park, surpassed financial expectations.
The concert demonstrated the generosity of the community to help Our Hospice exceed this year’s $100,000 fundraising goal, said Laura Leonard, the nonprofit organization’s president.
A record 4,901 raffle tickets were sold and Our Hospice netted $122,000 to help with the care and services for patients and families in Bartholomew and nearby counties, nearly equaling the record receipts of $124,000 last year, the organization announced Wednesday.
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Proceeds from the Labor Day weekend concert have hit or exceeded $120,000 each of the past three years.
Although admission to the concert is free, the organization brings in revenues through sponsorships, raffles and sales of T-shirts, food, souvenirs and more. It has attracted 5,000 to 8,000 people to see classic rock acts such as former Eagles guitarist Don Felder and former Chicago vocalist and bassist Peter Cetera.
Kim Smith was the winning bidder for the Concert Art, “Let It Ride,” by local artist Donna Rosenberg, which sold for $800.
The first year for the Skyview Experience allowed 36 individuals who paid $100 each to enjoy the concert atop the Mill Race Park amphitheater.
“The Skyview seating was very well-received and we were excited to hear from those in attendance that they had a great time and plan to purchase Skyview tickets next year and bring their friends. We think this is a great addition to the concert,” Leonard said.
The pop-rock singer and guitarist Bachman performed hits from his 1970s group Bachman-Turner Overdrive, including “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” and a series of hit songs from Bachman’s earlier group, The Guess Who, starting in the late 1960s, including “She’s Come Undone,” “These Eyes,” “No Sugar Tonight,” “American Woman” and “No Time.”
This year’s upgrade of twin video screens to high-definition gave viewers a clear, close-up view of the concert performers, Leonard said.
“We are grateful to our title sponsor, Faurecia, and our partner sponsor, Columbus Regional Health, as well as our other supporters, staff, board of directors, volunteers and community members who helped make the concert a great success. The funds raised will assist us in caring for our patients and families as we fulfill our mission ‘To Make Every Moment Count,’ ” Leonard said.
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2016: Headliner Peter Cetera, $120,000 in proceeds; 4,843 raffle tickets sold
2017: Headliner Blue Oyster Cult, record $124,000 in proceeds, 4,744 raffle tickets sold
2018: Headliner Randy Bachman, $122,000 in proceeds; record 4,901 raffle tickets sold
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