$23,600 RAISED FOR WAR CHILD CANADA AT EX NIHILO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WITH CHANTAL KREVIAZUK
Photo credit: Samantha Day, Samantha Day Photography
August 3, 2023 LAKE COUNTRY, BC - Ex Nihilo Vineyards, in collaboration with renowned Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk, proudly announces the success of live fundraising initiatives held during enchanting evenings of music, philanthropy, and camaraderie. The two-night private concert event, which took place as part of the Summer Concert Series on July 28 and 29, 2023 at Ex Nihilo Vineyards in Lake Country, British Columbia, saw remarkable displays of generosity during live auctions resulting in an impressive $23,600 raised in support of the acclaimed humanitarian organization War Child Canada.
During Chantal Kreviazuk's emotionally charged performances, in Ex Nihilo tradition, proprietors Mike and Janet Azhadi led the way with their commitment to philanthropy, donating limited quantity, library vintages of Ex Nihilo Pinot Noir and Ex Nihilo Night to auction. These sought-after wine verticals are an embodiment of Ex Nihilo Vineyards' commitment to producing exceptional wines in the Okanagan Valley.
Mid-auction, Mike and Janet made a surprise, live announcement and pledged to match all funds donated during the evening. The Azhadi family’s dedication to giving back to the community served as a catalyst for the night's overwhelming success.
A true collaboration resulted in a unique and exceptional prize for auction winners - a signed box of these exclusive wine verticals, coupled with an extraordinary opportunity to meet the multi-talented, platinum-selling, Grammy and three-time Juno Award-winning artist Chantal Kreviazuk in person.
Chantal Kreviazuk, changemaker and an ardent supporter of War Child Canada, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the event, emphasizing the significance of coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. “My heart is so full and so grateful for the funds raised for War Child’s programs,” she said. “My gratitude extends to the donors, owners, and team for including the forgotten in their abundance and successes.”
The attendees, deeply moved by War Child Canada's mission to support children and communities affected by conflict around the world, demonstrated unwavering support through their spirited bidding. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of Kevin and Jen Serfas, Shannon Mitchell, Andrew and Brandy Ladd, and Dean and Darcy Espenhain with Northern Electric, the impressive sum of $11,800 was raised and matched 100% by Ex Nihilo owners Mike and Janet Azhadi. These funds enable War Child Canada to continue its essential work in supporting the most vulnerable children living in the most complex humanitarian environments around the world, including Afghanistan, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Barbara Harmer, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at War Child Canada expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ex Nihilo Vineyards, Chantal Kreviazuk, and all attendees for their remarkable commitment to the organization's mission. “War Child is thrilled to be the recipient of such a generous weekend of music, wine, and philanthropy at Ex Nihilo Vineyards. Our work is only possible when we can count on support from caring people like War Child Ambassador Chantal Kreviazuk, vineyard owners Mike and Janet Azhadi, and their wonderful team and members. From all of us at War Child and the children and families we serve around the world, we thank you.”
The success of the auction highlights the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when the worlds of music, philanthropy, and the community unite with a shared vision of making the world a better place.
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About Ex Nihilo Vineyards:
Ex Nihilo is Latin for ‘Out of Nothing”. Our wines reflect a journey of place and of purpose in each bottle from every vintage. Season after season, we recommit ourselves as stewards of our remarkable terroir to nurture possibility. We believe that extraordinary wines are a product of the passion of those who make them and the unique traits of the land from which they grow. We create, out of nothing, wines that celebrate the Okanagan Valley, the unique place we call home.
About Chantal Kreviazuk:
Chantal Kreviazuk is an esteemed singer-songwriter, pianist, and philanthropist whose mesmerizing voice and poignant lyrics have touched the hearts of audiences around the world. A platinum-selling, Grammy and three-time Juno Award-winning artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Chantal's philanthropic spirit is as harmonious as her music. Chantal has been an ambassador to War Child for over twenty-five years and is one of the organization’s founding artists.
About War Child Canada:
War Child Canada has been empowering children and their families to overcome the brutal impact of war and violence for more than 20 years. War Child delivers programs that give children access to education, protect their legal and human rights, and give their families the tools they need to escape poverty by using a model that is locally driven and led by 99% local staff.