Nearly $20,000 was raised at a Sunday night concert held at Revelry Food and Music Hub in Kelowna in support of creating a memorial for the five men who tragically died in the city’s 2021 crane collapse. The event featured country musician Aaron Pritchett and the band Proper Man, with funds going towards the purchase of a large oak “legacy tree” that will symbolize ever-lasting life and the memories of the five men – Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Brad Zawislak, Patrick Stemmer, and Eric Stemmer. Construction of the Rise Memorial was initially planned to begin in May, but delays in sourcing contractors have pushed the start date to the summer.
Danielle Pritchett, the mother of Cailen Vilness, expressed how important it is to raise funds for a permanent memorial, describing it as a very personal endeavor. Following the crane collapse, a makeshift memorial was created at the site of the accident where community members left flowers, notes, and photos. While the temporary memorial brought some solace to Pritchett and others, it was short lived. Those interested in supporting the new project are encouraged to reach out to the Rise Memorial Foundation at contact@risememorial.com for donation inquiries.
The Rise Memorial aims to honor the memories of the five men who lost their lives in the crane collapse through the planting of a symbolic oak tree. The funds raised from the concert at Revelry Food and Music Hub will contribute to the creation of this memorial, serving as a lasting tribute to Vilness, Zook, Zawislak, Stemmer, and Stemmer. Despite delays in the construction process, organizers are committed to seeing the project through and providing a place for the community to remember and pay their respects to the victims of the tragic accident.
The tragic events of the Kelowna crane collapse in 2021 left a mark on the community, prompting an outpouring of support and solidarity in the form of memorials and fundraisers. The concert at Revelry Food and Music Hub was just one of the many efforts to raise funds for the construction of the Rise Memorial, which will serve as a permanent tribute to the five men who lost their lives that day. The dedication of organizers, volunteers, and community members to ensuring the completion of the memorial underscores the importance of honoring the memory of those who were affected by the crane collapse.
While the construction of the Rise Memorial has faced delays, the commitment of organizers and the support of the community remain unwavering. The decision to plant a large oak tree as a symbol of ever-lasting life and the memories of the five men reflects the desire to create a meaningful and lasting tribute. Despite the challenges faced in sourcing contractors and getting the project off the ground, the determination to see the memorial through speaks to the resilience and strength of the Kelowna community in the face of tragedy.
As efforts continue to raise funds and move forward with the construction of the Rise Memorial, the community remains united in their support and remembrance of the five men who lost their lives in the crane collapse. The concert at Revelry Food and Music Hub served as a powerful reminder of the impact of the tragedy and the importance of coming together to honor and remember those who were lost. With construction of the memorial now planned for the summer, the commitment to creating a lasting tribute to Vilness, Zook, Zawislak, Stemmer, and Stemmer remains stronger than ever.
