Playin’ to the beat of a different drummer…

At some point everyone realizes that they have to do something for others… and in the process… get so much back in return.
Gwen Boudreau is just that kind of a woman.  With three children under six and dealing with sore throats, coughs, flu’s, pink eye and a missing favourite stuffed animal… Gwen is down to the last few days of planning an event that will surely be a night to remember.

The story began last May when this busy Mom joined Joints in Motion and started training for her first 1/2 marathon to take place in September.  Gwen wasn’t a stranger to physical fitness.  A fitness instructor since 1994, Gwen’s life took the “motherhood” turn.  By the time 2009 rolled around she found herself single, lacking in physical activity (unless you count chasing after a 3, 4 and 6 year old and the fact that she looks amazing) and enjoying a life that was moving in a new direction.  Gwen was ready to take on a personal challenge and prove to herself that she could do it!  At the same time… raising money for much needed Arthritis research. 

Gwen’s inspiration… besides her own children… Devin Dodge, a seven year old little boy dealing with the pain from Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since he was 2!

September’s marathon wasn’t enough.  Gwen set her fundraising goals even higher!

As most folks know, fundraising is never easy… coming up with an idea, setting it in motion, and seeing it come to life is quite an experience… and Gwen should be incredibly proud of herself for all of her efforts.  With the help of her trusty side kick and cousin, Carolyn Bishop… the two fun loving ladies took on the challenge of organizing a benefit concert which will take place on Saturday night at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax.

Both girls love music.  Singing, dancing and playing.  They often get together for their very own “jam session” of guitars and drums.  They’ve been seen on more than one occasion playing along with “invisible” instruments as they enjoy a pint on a Saturday afternoon in a local bar… often being dragged up on stage to sing and perform!  Being able to say “I’m with the band!”, Gwen contacted an old friend, Shawn Brady, lead singer of the band Elevation, the most successful U2 Tribute Band in the World… touring the world to prove it!  They bought into Gwen’s idea and contacted their friends Coldplayers (Coldplay Tribute Band) and so a concert was formed.  (Sounds easy… but Gwen and Carolyn have been hard at work and run off their feet for weeks!)

Please join Gwen Saturday night (May 8th), at ROCK THE JOINT benefit concert, to raise money for the Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia.  It will be a fantastic evening of entertainment featuring the music of U2 and Coldplay and proudly sponsored by Q104.  Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at the Rebecca Cohn box office.  Friends, music, auction items, 50/50 draws and more.

(To donate any items for auction, please email Gwen.)

After much searching… Gwen located the beloved stuffed animal.  She’s also behind the recent successes of the Montreal Canadien’s hockey team.