The non-profit outfit that brings professional Opera to Brampton audiences has moved from a $15,000 debt to a $2,000 debt since the summer.

Publicity of the BLO's struggles, says BLO artistic director Emilio Fina, sparked interest from supporters; however, funding is still required to help bring the organization out of debt.

On Oct. 18, the BLO annual fundraiser concert will take place at St. Paul's United Church in Brampton. This year, the event will take a more intimate and personal approach through its new venue, and feature acclaimed tenor Mark DuBois as the headliner.

"He's been my idol since I was 17," said Fina, also a tenor and performer in the charity event. "I got into opera because of him."

Fina, who has followed the tenor's career closely, says he doesn't remember a time in DuBois' 30-year-plus career when he has been presented as the headliner of a Brampton event. The Oct. 18 event, therefore, is a rare opportunity for fans of DuBois.

It's also an opportunity for fans of BLO to show their support.

"This is the public's chance to show us they support us," said Fina. "Here's their chance to show us they want this company to thrive."

So far, Fina reveals there are 24 numbers planned for the concert with performances...