The performer who lit up the stage as Buddy Holly in the Arts Club Theatre production of Buddy is coming to New Westminster to serve up support for local seniors.
Zachary Stevenson is headlining a fundraiser at Starlight Casino to raise money for the Seniors Services Society's Meals on Wheels program.
He'll be onstage in the second annual fundraiser in the casino's Gateway Grill on March 12.
The event includes a three-course dinner, the Buddy Holly show and the chance to win a vacation.
"It is extremely exciting that Zachary has agreed to headline this year's fundraiser for us," said Kara-Leigh Bloch, executive director of the Seniors Services Society, in a press release. "He is dynamite on stage and does a wonderful rendition of Peggy Sue."
Stevenson has led eight productions of the Buddy Holly story around North America, and he was also named one of the top 10 talents to watch out for by The Vancouver Sun.
Anna Truong, manager of resource development for the Seniors Services Society, saw Stevenson onstage with the Arts Club production and, when his name came up as a possible entertainer for the fundraiser, she jumped at the chance.
She noted that the show is in keeping with last year's, when Darren Lee - rated the No. 1 Elvis impersonator in the world - performed for it.
"Last year was a huge success," Truong told The Record, noting the event raised $13,000 and sold out all 230 tickets.
She said the group is expecting this year's event to sell out again, and they've set their sights on raising $15,000.
Truong said the society is happy to hold the fundraiser at Starlight Casino, which provides meals at cost for the Meals on Wheels program all year round.
"Starlight Casino is such a huge partner," she said. "They're so supportive of the program."
The Meals on Wheels program provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors who cannot cook for themselves due to illness or disability. Meals cost $5 to $5.50 each and are delivered by volunteers five days a week, Monday to Friday.
Among those who receives the meals is Wayne Smith, a 62-year-old who's waiting for his disability benefits and who lives alone in a New Westminster apartment.
"Since I started dialysis, I've been having a very difficult time cooking or getting around," he said in the release.
Three times a week he takes the bus to Royal Columbian Hospital for his dialysis.
Meals on Wheels, he said, has made a huge difference.
"My dietitian at the hospital is very happy about these meals," he said. "She did not want me going to the food bank."
Tickets for the fundraiser are still available, but Truong said those who want to attend should buy in advance, as organizers are expecting it to sell out again.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event starts at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.seniorsservicessociety.ca, by phone at 604-520-6621 or in person at the Seniors Services Society office at 750 Carnarvon St.
