Saskatoon

$5K ticket for Garth Brooks no surprise to Saskatoon fundraiser

Volunteer fundraiser Zeba Ahmed says Saskatoon residents are giving more to charities and non-profit organizations.

Zeba Ahmed says pricey tickets part of a fundraising trend in city

Country music star Garth Brooks will be in Saskatoon on August 26 for a Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan fundraiser. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

A $5,000 lunch with country music star Garth Brooks may seem like a lot of money, but it comes as no surprise to volunteer fundraiser Zeba Ahmed.

"It's a trend we have been seeing over the last few years for sure, probably even five," Ahmed told Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski.  "It shows what is happening in Saskatoon."

Zeba Ahmed, volunteer fundraiser in Saskatoon (Rosalie Woloski, CBC)
Garth Brooks is the star attraction for the Children's Hospital Foundation's fundraiser in Saskatoon and Regina on August 26. Last week, people paid $1,000 to attend the Neural Health Project fundraiser in Saskatoon.

Ahmed said that while $5,000 may be the highest single ticket price, live auction items have been going for a lot more.

"Over the last few years we've had auction items going for 30 to $50,000 for a trip or for an experience," she said.

Ahmed said the downturn in the economy has resulted in a little more caution throughout the community.

"But we are such a giving community, this will be the last thing that goes."