Thousands of dollars were raised at a memorial meeting and fundraiser in honor of Cailen Vilness held at Kelowna’s August Luxury Motorcars on Saturday, July 24th.
Hundreds of people came through the event to pay tribute to Vilness and to support his family and friends. Vilness, 23, died when the crane he was helping dismantle in downtown Kelowna collapsed on July 12, killing four other people.
READ MORE: Here’s what we know about the five men who were killed in the Kelowna crane collapse
Over $ 12,000 worth of merchandise, consisting of 55 items, was donated to a silent auction. Within the first hour of the event, $ 3,000 was raised through stickers and bumper stickers that were sold through a donation. The stickers all paid homage to Vilness.
“The community here is amazing. I’m blown away, ”said Erika Hartman, Vilness’s sister-in-law, who helped organize the event.
“I really had no expectations. The support from the community in Kelowna and even back to Kitimat, where Cailen is from, was excellent. “
Items donated for the silent auction included a signed Kelowna Rockets helmet that belonged to Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, a BBQ acoustic session with Vilness’ second cousin and country star Aaron Pritchett, a sub and amp -Package, wine donations and more.
In attendance was Vilness’ family and friends, as well as the car Vilness used to drive to work every day.
“He got teased a little, worked in construction, and drove a fun little car. But he loved it to pieces, ”said Hartman. “Jaydean, Cailen’s fiancé, will likely keep the car. It will be your little sign to remember him. “
There was a forum for guests to leave comments for Vilness and his family that will be sent to his hometown, Kitimat. All proceeds from the event go to his family.
A guest signs a message board for Cailen Vilness at a memorial meeting and fundraiser for the 23-year-old held at Kelowna’s August Luxury Motorcars on July 24th. (Aaron Hemens / Capital News)
“We are very doers. Just sitting around and grieving is too hard. We wanted to help in any way we could, ”said Hartman.
READ MORE: PHOTOS: Hundreds gather for the vigil for crane victims in Kelowna
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