On Tuesday, two of Canada’s top country music stars joined forces, once again, to help the Lower Mainland’s littlest ones.
Each year, Chad Brownlee and Dallas Smith lend star power to the annual Boys of Fall Charity Golf Tournament at The Redwoods Golf Course.
The goal this year – year four – was to raise $110,000 for the Basics for Babies campaign. The tally came in at $148,000.
A total of 144 golfers took part Tuesday, with roughly 750 people, including the golfers from the day, expected to attend a post-tournament mini-concert.
Brownlee is celebrating multiple 2016 CCMA award nominations, including album of the year and recording package of the year for Hearts On Fire.
Smith, who is releasing his new album Side Effects on Sept. 2, is the 2015 JUNO Award winner for country album of the year (Lifted), and the CCMA award winner for album of the year (again for Lifted).
In 2012, Brownlee and Smith joined as co-headliners in a cross-country tour. During their travels together, the two Langley boys developed a solid friendship, and went on to team up with Redwoods in support of JRfm’s Basics for Babies year-round fundraising campaign – ensuring through Food Banks BC that all babies in the Lower Mainland get the nutrition they need.
Funds raised go directly towards Food Banks BC; an association representing 93 member food banks across the province.
Every year, Food Banks BC helps close to 100,000 people throughout the province, of which 30 per cent are children.
In its first three years, the tournament raised more than $189,000, all earmarked for Basics for Babies.
“It’s a really, really great thing,” Brownlee said, regarding the charity.
“We did $14,000 the first year, $75,000 the second, and $100,000 last year, and we’re looking to do the same this year,” Brownlee noted, adding that jumping from $14,000 to $75,000 from the first to the second year of the fundraiser, was a “pleasant surprise.”
“After seeing the support and all the amazing people who we have around us, it’s not a surprise,” Brownlee said.“We’re so fortunate to have so many great people around us, and this thing sells out so fast. ”
Brownlee said he’s committed to this event.
“Dallas and I started this when we were on tour in 2012 – it was the Boys of Fall tour, hence the name Boys of Fall charity tournament, and we wanted to do something to give back to the community because they give so much to us,” he said. “It was a no-brainer. We make sure that our schedules are clear, every year, in order to raise some money.”
Smith said he and Brownlee knew there are “great people” involved, who are just as passionate about giving back to the community.
That said, he’s not surprised how successful the fundraiser has been since its inception.
“I think seeing the people who are involved and some fans here, it’s been really good, so I’m not surprised,” Smith concluded.