Advertisement

Rockin’ the Big House concert at Kingston Penitentiary raises $365K

United Way KFL&A are thanking everyone who attended and volunteered for Rockin' the Big House, their chairty concert at Kingston Penitentiary. Global Kingston

Editor’s note: The story has been changed to clarify that the specific costs for the concert have yet to be finalized.

According to the United Way, the Rockin’ the Big House concert held at the Kingston Penitentiary raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for their Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington chapter.

The charity concert took place on Sept. 14 and was the first show to be held at the Kingston Penitentiary.

Over 3,000 people attended the event, according to the United Way, and over 130 volunteers helped make the concert happen.

A wide variety of Canadian talent played at the penitentiary that night, including Kasador, The Pursuit of Happiness, The Trews and The Headstones. Headlining the event were Tom Cochrane and members of The Tragically Hip, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Paul Langlois.

Story continues below advertisement

The United Way says that with sponsorships, tickets, food, beverage and merchandise, the concert raised $365,000 in gross profits.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Bhavana Varma, president and CEO of United Way KFL&A, says of that $365,000, at least $200,000 will go to youth homelessness initiatives in the city.

Varma said she couldn’t give a firm estimate of net profits for the event, since bills are still being paid, and the organization has yet to finalize their financial statements.

WATCH: What the future holds for The United Way fundraiser Rockin’ The Big House

Click to play video: 'What the future holds for The United Way fundraiser Rockin’ The Big House'
What the future holds for The United Way fundraiser Rockin’ The Big House

Varma did say they received quite a lot of sponsorship for the concert, with the venue being donated for free, and the bands donating their time for free.

Varma also said the city set up the stage for free.

Story continues below advertisement

Although Varma listed some costs like banners, porta-potties, and production costs, it’s currently unclear what specific expenses the remaining funds — approximately $165,000 — were earmarked for.

Sponsored content

AdChoices