Benefit show planned for Samaritan House director
Samaritan House received the Kalispell Chamber's Nonprofit of the Year Award. Pictured is Samaritan House Executive Director Chris Krager. (Inter Lake file photo)
Fellow musicians are coming together to raise money for Chris Krager by hosting a benefit show from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27, at the Craggy Range in downtown Whitefish.
Krager, the longtime director of Samaritan House homeless shelter in Kalispell, is recovering from spinal surgery after falling off a ladder Oct. 29. He was in between insurance policies when the accident occurred, which left him with $30,000 in medical bills. Krager plays with the Mike Murray Duo and Band.
Confirmed musicians at press time include Kevin Van Dort, Old Sap and Julie Tiehen, with other musicians expected to join the lineup. Donations in the form of cash and checks will be collected at the event to help with Krager’s medical bills.
“Chris is continually serving others and raising funds as an advocate for people seeking shelter,” said Ned Cooney, a friend of Krager and part of Old Sap. “This is our way of caring for one of our own, a fellow musician, nonprofit leader and friend.”
The Craggy Range is located at 10 Central Ave. in Whitefish.
Donations to help cover the cost of Krager’s surgery also can be made online at www.gofundme.com/chris-krager-spinal-surgery. Those who don’t have Internet access can mail donations to Krager, with “Medical fund” in the check memo line, in care of Samaritan House, 124 Ninth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901.