Do you have your tickets yet for the FUNDRAISER BENEFIT CONCERT for GARY COOPER this coming Saturday, August 21st?

For those who attended this year’s Ribfest you would have seen John McIntosh’s Boundary Road performing and John will be making a second trip to his hometown this coming weekend (from Toronto where he lives) to play in the Cancer Benefit Concert that he is organizing with the Cooper Family for his longtime friend Gary Cooper.

John has also just recently released a new music video “Working Hands” check it out at: https://youtu.be/wXK_95Rm8Fw and he is currently number 2 on the Reverbnation charts in Toronto! With all this going on, he still took time out of his busy schedule to answer 5 Questions for The Cornwall Seeker about this event that is coming up this Saturday, August 21st.

1- What is this event and how did it come about?

The event that I am organizing, with the help of Terry Muir of the Optimist Club, Rodney Rivette and the Cooper Family, is a Fundraiser to help out my longtime friend, Gary Cooper (seen in the photo to the left), who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of Lung Cancer. I have been spearheading #coopstrong and when I learned that the monthly medication costs for Gary’s treatment are in the thousands of dollars (and not covered by OHIP) I felt like I needed to do something to help him and I thought, what better way, than to plug into my music and organize a Cancer Benefit Concert where 100% of the proceeds will be given directly to Gary to help fund his treatment.

2- What is your event in support of and does it reoccur every year?

The fundraiser event “Cancer Benefit Concert for Gary Cooper” that will be taking place this coming Saturday, August 21st at 7pm at the Optimist Park (301 Sunnyside Avenue in Cornwall, Ontario). It is a one time music event that will feature: myself – John McIntosh’s Boundary Road, Yvon Leroux, Bernie Villeneuve and Liam Brendan Deery a very gifted one arm guitar player from Brockville Ontario – all playing for the Cancer Benefit Fundraiser. (see photo below). The event will also feature a Beer Tent ran by the Optimist Club of Cornwall.

3- How does your event help make this community a better place?

I feel that any time a Fundraiser happens it shows how the community comes together to help out an individual. Throughout Covid-19 all communities have pivoted and worked together and this event will totally adhere to the Covid-19 protocols making it safe as safe as possible for everyone attending!

 4- What is unique about your event?

The event that I am organizing will not only be giving proceeds to the recipient Gary Cooper but will also be a safe venue for all attending. It is however important for all individuals in attendance to respect the Covid-10 protocols and do whatever is necessary to keep everyone safe, including wearing face masks, hand sanitizing and keeping a safe distance from individuals out of your bubble.

5- How can people participate or help make this event a success?

Whether or not you plan to attend, you can purchase a ticket for $10 from Melody Music at 105 Pitt Street in Cornwall, Ontario.

Melody Music is open Monday and Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Thursday:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday: Closed. Call 613-933-0205 www.melodymusic.ca

There is also a Go Fund Me Page set up for Gary at https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-us-help-gary?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

The Cancer Benefit Concert for Gary Cooper is on Saturday, August 21st at the Optimist Park, 301 Sunnyside Avenue, Cornwall, Ontario, Gates open at 6pm, Show starts at 7pm. – Tickets are limited so get yours TODAY before they are sold out!