Memorial Events Center hosting special Wings fundraiser
The Western News | The Western News | UPDATED 1 hour, 30 minutes AGO
Cancer survivor Keith Alessi will perform in a special fundraiser for Wings Regional Cancer Support Sunday afternoon at the Memorial Center in Libby. (Photo courtesy)
Wings Regional Cancer Support is hosting a special fundraiser Sunday at the LIbby Memorial Events Center.
"Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life" is a performance by a cancer survivor at 2 p.m. Admission is by donation with 100% of all box office proceeds donated in support of Wings Regional Cancer Support.
Wings Regional Cancer Support is a non-profit created to offer individuals in our community and their families financial assistance to help defray out-of-pocket expenses associated with cancer treatment. Wings provides monetary support to qualified individuals to assist with expenses such as housing, transportation and meals.
In 2025, more than $250,000 in grants were provided across Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties. 221 of those grants were distributed in Lincoln County totaling $139,267.61 in support of local individuals and their families.
Created by Keith Alessi and directed by Erika Conway, it tells the inspiring true story of how a life-threatening cancer diagnosis led Alessi to leave the corporate world and embrace his passion for the banjo.
Alessi was a well-known CEO running a company in Canada when he received a deadly cancer diagnosis. This event served as a catalyst for him to learn to play the banjo, a long-deferred passion. His story of perseverance and survival is peppered with humor, and a resounding testament to the healing power of music, the importance of giving back, and never giving up.
Alessi has donated 100% of his portion of ticket sales to CancerCommunities, theatre charities, and artist development and is delighted to be able to continue this for the 2026-2027 season. Contributions to date total over$1.3 million (CAD).