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The United Way 2017 Kick Off "Rock Star" Breakfast had organizers and community leaders dressed up as rock stars at 7 a.m. on Thursday.
Few people show that kind of enthusiasm at 7 a.m. unless they've been up all night.
But the United Way has way of getting people into the spirit of giving.
#uwcsokickoff breakfast is well underway. Plenty of rockstar sightings! pic.twitter.com/UMScD129u3
— United Way CSO (@UnitedWayCSO) September 7, 2017
Costumes ranged from Janis Joplin, Pink, David Bowie, Slash and Gord Downie, Mayor Colin Basran's alter ego. Turning 40 years this fall, the Mayor had a little help on stage and entertained the early morning breakfast crowd with his rendition of The Tragically Hip's, Boots or Hearts.
So what was all the fan fare and early morning rock about?
The theme of this year's United Way 2017 kick off was that everyone who gives is essentially a rock star.
The United Way works with more than 40 local organizations to help children and families transition out of poverty and access things like housing, education, child care and employment training.
The Coast Capri room was full of local business and non-profit leaders who have either been supported or help support the United Ways' efforts in Kelowna.
Other partner organizations like CRIS Adaptive Adventures were highlighted for their work in the community. CRIS Adaptive helps those with mental, physical and emotional challenges access the outdoors by providing adaptive hiking, biking and kayaking excursions.
After all the fanfare, the tone took a more serious note when newly appointed UW executive director, Helen "Slash" Jackman spoke about the growing gap in Kelowna between the upper and lower class and how about one out of five children live in poverty in Kelowna.
According to the UW, 58,500 people in the Central Okanagan helped support the United Way last year.
The United Way is working on a variety of projects in Kelowna and all the information can be found on their website.
For more information on how the United Way is working locally in Kelowna, visit their website.
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