Central Alberta country singer Alecia Aichelle is performing a benefit concert next month for a cause that’s very dear to her heart.
On June 10, her nephew, Keenen Degenhardt was in a serious motorcycle accident on the highway near Pine Lake.
Aichelle said the 24-year-old was airlifted by STARS air ambulance to Calgary Foothills Hospital in critical condition. His injuries are extensive, requiring three surgeries so far.
“Keenen is now out of the I.C.U. and in the trauma ward,” said Aichelle, but she was told his road to recovery will be a long and difficult one.
Since the young mechanic will be unable to work for an extended period, Aichelle and her band are planning a benefit concert and silent auction to help ease Degenhardt’s financial burden, allowing him to focus on his recovery.
A July 10 fundraising event is planned, starting from 6 p.m., at Bukwildz in Sylvan Lake, where Degenhardt was raised and where his family still lives.
Aichelle, who has lived in Nashville to hone her songwriting and has previously opened for Aaron Pritchett, Aaron Goodvin and the Bellamy Brothers, will be performing some original and cover tunes at the benefit concert.
There will be a $20 cover charge (kids are admitted for free) and all the money raised through admissions and the silent auction will go to the Keenen Benefit Fund.
Aichelle said her family is overwhelmed by the community support they have so far received. They would “like to thank everyone for their prayers during this difficult time, as well as STARS, all first responders and medical personnel… We feel it’s a miracle that Keenen survived and is recovering so well.”
Donations are still being accepted for the silent auction. Anyone interested can find more information on the Facebook event page for the benefit show.
lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com
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