On Saturday, Jan.14, the second Play It Forward benefit concert will be coming to Centre Stage Theatre. Play it Forward 2 promises to be an evening of top-notch entertainment for a good cause.
The first Play it Forward event was held in January, 2014 when the youth group of Summerland Baptist Church partnered with Mercy Tech Mission to raise funds for humanitarian work.
The church’s youth group built homes for the poor in Mexico, while Mercy Tech went to Africa to teach employable trades to those living in poverty.
Since that time Mercy Tech has developed a second training location, this time in the Baja, and in March 2017 both groups will travel together to help relieve poverty in the San Quintin valley.
Lee Young, youth pastor at the church, is excited about the potential of the upcoming trip.
“There are over 40 people going from our community, a combination of both youth and adults,” he said. “We expect to see the lives of our students and adults greatly impacted as they serve the people of San Quintin.”
Rick Cogbill, founder and Director of Mercy Tech Mission, says the addition of the Baja location has been a good one for their humanitarian work.
“Although we originally started in Africa, not everyone can be away from home or work for a month,” he said. “The one-week trips to Mexico have made it possible for more volunteers to take part in what we do.”
Mercy Tech also works in Swaziland and Mozambique.
Local band Groundswell, who played at the original Play it Forward, is opening this year’s show, followed by Canadian comedian, author and radio show host, Phil Callaway.
“I’ve known Phil for years,” says Cogbill. “He is one very funny guy! It’s a show the whole family will enjoy.”
Tickets are $20 per person and are available at Remax Orchard Country, at the Summerland Baptist Church office, or online at www.summerlandbaptist.ca.
All proceeds will be used to help fund the one-week trip to Mexico in March. Two houses will be built by the church’s group, while Mercy Tech Mission will continue their ongoing automotive training program.
There will also be a silent auction in the lobby of the theatre with many excellent gifts and services donated by local businesses.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the silent auction, with the concert starting at 7:30 p.m.