Fundraising concert raises more than $135,000 for people with developmental disabilities

The event raised $135K through sponsors, donors and auction bids.

A fundraising concert featuring a JUNO award-winning artist in support of people with developmental disabilities was a rousing success over the weekend.

A “Red Carpet Concert” on Saturday night in Penetanguishene raised more than $135,000 to benefit adults, seniors, youth and children in our region.

The annual concert event hosted by the CLH Foundation – a charitable organization that aims to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities – featured Indigenous singer-songwriter William Prince, who is most known for creating lyrics centred on resilience, belonging and the shared human experience.

The event showcased Prince and his guitar in the intimate venue of the King’s Wharf Theatre nestled within Discovery Harbour along the shores of Georgian Bay.

The acoustic set was interwoven with personal anecdotes, highlighting his sense of humour in addition to his talent. Prince has won two JUNOs, one in 2017 and the other in 2024, for his albums “Earthly Days” and “Stand in the Joy,” both for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year.

Prince has performed sold-out shows at Massey Hall in Toronto and been on prestigious stages like NPR’s Tiny Desk and The Grand Ole Opry.

The evening showed a video presented by the foundation showcasing the positive impacts donations and fundraising events like this one can have on people.

As a welcome to the show, guests were greeted with gourmet appetizers and live music ahead of the main event.

The CLH Foundation is thrilled with the outcome of the signature event.

“We are incredibly proud to have welcomed William Prince to the stage for A Red Carpet Concert in support of CLH Foundation,” says Sarah Kitchen, Chair of A Red Carpet Concert and CLHF Board President. “His generosity and support made a tremendous impact on this year’s event, and his performance left the audience absolutely captivated. Whether longtime fans or hearing him for the very first time, guests were moved by the authenticity and extraordinary talent he brought to the stage.”

The concert came on the heels of Prince’s announcement he would be taking part in the FIFA World Cup kick-off in Toronto. He’ll be joining a star-studded lineup of fellow Canadian musicians and award winners like Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé.

The money raised from the event will go to support the more than 2,700 people in the region that rely on CLH Developmental Support Services. The funds raised will specifically go towards the foundation’s Means to Thrive initiative, a program to support health, wellness and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities in North Simcoe.