The incredible Drayton Valley Walk Coordinators, along with their dedicated volunteers, hosted one of the first big fundraising events of the season (and in fact since 2020) in support of the ALS Society of Alberta. The Dueling Pianos event held at the MacKenzie Centre on April 9, 2022 was a massive success, raising over $25,000 to support the ALS Society and those living with ALS in our communities.

This dedicated team is made up of sisters Melanie and Marcie Pruden, cousin Kayla Leeder, and Nicole Tymchak, longtime family friend (aka the “third daughter”). These women have been dedicated event planners and fundraisers for the past five years, following the passing of their mom and aunt, Audrey, from ALS in 2016. In addition to planning the annual Drayton Valley Walk Together for ALS event, this team of women started the Dueling Pianos in 2019, and it has become a much-anticipated event in the community. This year, it was sold out with nearly 400 people in attendance, featuring a 5-hour continuous performance by Tim Cotton and Kelly Alaina from Court Jesters Dueling Pianos, and special guest Sean Sonego.

The event featured not just live music, but a silent auction, a raffle for a wheelbarrow full of beverages; catering supplied by the White Bull Café; and a slideshow to help raise awareness and educate attendees about ALS. The generosity of many sponsors made the event a success, and we are so very thankful for all of their support.

Audrey loved to cook and entertain, so the team was adamant not to run out of anything throughout the night. Nicole says that they know Audrey was proud of what they accomplished because when they were driving home, they saw the Northern Lights which they have always believed is Audrey dancing in the sky with their Grandpa Hubert.

We are so grateful for this determined team of women and the amazing work that they do in memory of Audrey – thank you Nicole, Melanie, Marcie and Kayla – we can’t wait to see you at the Drayton Walk on June 18th!