Why Supporting the Festival Matters: Stories from Our Donor Community
Every summer, the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival transforms the village into a vibrant celebration of music, art and community, with free performances, hands-on experiences and cultural showcases that welcome everyone to take part.
The Festival may be free to attend, but it is far from free to produce. Keeping the Festival accessible to everyone takes the generosity of donors who believe that live music, creativity and cultural connection should be shared by the whole community.
As part of our ‘Keep the Festival Free’ campaign, we’re sharing stories over the next few weeks on our blog and social channels from members of our donor community whose support helps make this beloved tradition possible.
Behind every performance, hands-on art workshop and Indigenous cultural showcase is a community of donors whose generosity ensures that everyone can enjoy world-class festival programming without barriers.
Some have supported the Festival for years. Others are new to giving, inspired by experiences that made a lasting impression. All of these individuals see the Festival as more than music; they see it as a cornerstone of Fort Langley’s cultural life.
“Donors are the reason the Festival feels like a gift to the community rather than a commercial event,” says Karen Zukas, the Festival’s Executive Director and co-founder. “Audiences see the musicians on stage, but they don’t always see the infrastructure that makes accessibility possible. While ticketed events help us grow, it’s individual donors who provide stability for essential, but behind-the-scenes, costs.”
We had the pleasure of speaking with a few of our donors to hear firsthand what inspires them to support the Festival.
First-Time Donors: Linda and Ted Lightfoot
Langley residents, Linda and Ted have attended the Festival for four years, but last year they decided to take the next step and become donors.
Their decision to donate was sparked by a moving performance that blended First Nations music with traditional jazz. “The combination was a huge highlight for us, and we would love to see further opportunities for this blending of our cultures,” say the Lightfoots, who are dedicated to ensuring everyone can enjoy this amazing blend of music, regardless of their financial means.
“It feels rewarding that in some small way we’re helping to sustain a valuable asset to our community. That any donation, large or small, can collectively make a huge difference in the ability of the Festival to continue to offer music, education and a real sense of community to all Langley residents and visitors.”
Volunteer Turned Donor: Andy Schildhorn
Andy first became involved with the Festival over nine years ago, inspired by the idea of creating a community-focused event. “In the beginning, I thought it was just about great music. I quickly learned it’s about planning, people and persistence,” Andy recalls.
Volunteering gave Andy a behind-the-scenes view of all the moving parts that make the Festival possible, from sponsors and logistics to artists and volunteers. Witnessing the dedication and teamwork required motivated him to become a donor. “Once you understand what it truly takes to put this on, you realize it can’t happen without financial support. Showing my support this way was an easy decision.”
For Andy, donating represents a long-term investment in the community. He sees the Festival as part of the fabric of Fort Langley and a way to help culture and connection thrive.
“What stands out most about our donors is their deep sense of community,” says Karen. “They give because they’ve felt the joy of a free street concert, took part in an Indigenous cultural activity, or witnessed a young person discovering creativity, and they want to ensure those moments remain possible for years to come.”
The Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival thrives because of the generosity of our community! Help keep the magic alive at the Fort Langley Jazz & Arts Festival for years to come.
Now you can donate securely through our charitable partner, the Fort Langley Legacy Foundation!
Make your donation here: https://www.fortlangleyjazzfest.com/donate