Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Charity show must go on

Native Indonesian implores Whistler business owners to contribute to charity concert

Tamen Sari Royal Heritage Spa owner Jay Wahono has spent the last year and a half trying to find ways to help victims of the 2004 tsunami which devastated hundreds of thousands of people in the South Asia region.

With the most recent disaster this week, an earthquake hitting 7.1 on the Richter scale in Java, causing yet another tsunami in the area with hundreds dead and more than 1,400 people displaced, the native Indonesian is even more determined to raise much-needed funds.

"Now it is happening in my own hometown, so we have to do something for our fellow people," he said.

His hopes are set on holding a concert Aug. 11 at MY Millennium Place, showcasing the musicians from the Helping Hands album, including talents such as Jim Byrnes, Marcus Mosely, Shari Ulrich and Norman Foote. Proceeds from the concert would benefit UNICEF efforts in Indonesia.

However, the proposed show, produced by Monique Creber, comes with a $7,000 bill and Wahono is asking Whistler businesses to contribute to the project.

"The event will raise funds and awareness of what is going on there," he said.

He adds the high profile concert will contribute to promoting Whistler as a multi-faceted resort of both sport and culture.

"We also want to raise the awareness that Whistler is a destination for art and culture, world-class fine dining and a spa vacation."

The proposed fundraiser also includes a special dinner at the Bearfoot Bistro with musicians in attendance.

Currently, three businesses have donated a total of $1,000 to the cause, including Whistler Real Estate Company, Taman Sari Spa and Whistler Mountaineer.

"We really need companies in Whistler to sponsor the event," Wahono said. "It is going to be good for the whole community. There will be huge media coverage for everyone involved. I hope businesses can see this as a real opportunity."

Time is ticking down with the production-funding deadline falling on Friday, July 21.

Companies interested in donating can call Wahono at 604-938-5982 or e-mail: info@tamansarispa.com.